Kabul Protests Airstrikes as Pakistan Reports 37 Terrorists Killed
The operations were carried out following multiple recent terrorist incidents targeting innocent people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ministry said.
Pakistan’s security forces killed 37 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and precision strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, according to Pakistan’s Information Ministry, while Kabul summoned Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires to protest the strikes.
The operations were carried out following multiple recent terrorist incidents targeting innocent people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ministry said.
Nine Khawarij Killed in Kohat, Hangu Operation
On September 20, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a group of terrorists in Kohat and Hangu districts, according to the statement.
As a result of the operation, nine khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy “Fitna al-Khawarij” were killed, while several others were injured, the ministry said.
The statement said the terrorists were engaged through a precise and skilful operation based on credible intelligence.
“Fitna al-Khawarij” is a term used by Pakistan’s military and government to refer to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and associated terrorists groups.
Three Terrorist Targets Destroyed
Based on credible intelligence, security forces also carried out selective strikes against terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to “Fitna al-Khawarij” and its affiliates in the border region with Afghanistan.
Three targets were destroyed with precision, including a suicide bombers’ training markaz, according to the ministry.
The strikes killed 28 terrorists along with multiple suicide bombers, while large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted markaz and hideouts were also destroyed.
Kabul Summons Pakistan Envoy Over Airstrikes
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said it had summoned Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul and handed him a note of protest over what it described as violations of Afghan airspace and airstrikes on civilian areas and facilities in Kunar and Paktika provinces.
Kabul rejected Pakistan’s justification for the strikes, saying it distorted the facts and sought to shift responsibility for Afghanistan’s security and political problems onto other countries.
Ministry Says Afghanistan Remains Terrorism Hub
The Information Ministry said Pakistan has always worked for peace and stability in the region, but the safety and security of its citizens remains the country’s foremost priority.
“It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism,” the statement said, adding that the threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan.
According to the ministry, the action precisely targeted terrorist hubs, with maximum precautions taken to ensure that no collateral damage occurred.
Counterterrorism Campaign to Continue
The ministry said Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign Ghazab lil Haq, being conducted under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam by security forces and law enforcement agencies, would continue at full pace.
The campaign will continue with the stated objective of eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, according to the statement.
