Pakistani security forces, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, killed 24 militants during a series of intelligence-based operations in Bannu and adjoining areas over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security personnel engaged militants in multiple encounters, resulting in the killing of 24 militants. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered during the operations.
The ISPR identified the slain militants as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, describing the group as an Indian-backed proxy involved in numerous terrorist attacks and the killing of innocent civilians.
The military said operations against the perpetrators, facilitators and planners of the recent Bannu suicide bombing would continue until they were brought to justice. It added that intelligence-based and clearance operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign would continue to eliminate terrorism and dismantle militant infrastructure across the country.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for the successful operations, saying the killing of 24 militants reflected their professionalism, courage and commitment to safeguarding the country. He reiterated that terrorists and their facilitators would be pursued until their complete elimination.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces, calling them the nation’s “true heroes.” He said intelligence-based operations were vital for restoring lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism.
Separately, security forces continued Operation Shaban in Balochistan, where the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and police killed three more militants during the latest counterterrorism operations, further intensifying efforts against militant groups across the country.
