ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan military has carried out a series of carefully planned airstrikes on hideouts of terrorists linked to Indian-backed Fitna al-Khwarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, killing 22 of them.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, the Federal Ministry for Information and Broadcasting said the airstrikes were part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq and Pakistan’s effort to eliminate terrorists, their networks and supporters.
The statement said the strikes targeted terrorist hideouts and safe places linked to Fitna al-Khwarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, killing several militants.
Based on reliable information, Pakistan carried out precise strikes on terrorist camps and hideouts at two locations in Afghanistan linked to Fitna al-Khwarij, Fitna al-Hindustan and their supporters. The targets were destroyed, and early reports suggested that 22 terrorists had been killed, the statement said.
Large amounts of weapons and ammunition stored at the hideouts were also destroyed.
Pakistan has always worked for peace and stability in the region. However, the safety and security of its citizens remain the top priority, the ministry said. It added that Afghanistan continues to be a centre for terrorism. “The threat to Pakistan comes from Afghanistan. Our action targeted the terrorist bases,” it said.
The ministry said care was taken to prevent harm to civilians. Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign, Ghazab lil Haq, under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, will continue to fight foreign-backed terrorism.
Separately, security forces continued operations against Fitna al-Hindustan in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. Six militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in the Sunni area of Kachhi district, security sources said.
The militants were targeted using quadcopters. A large amount of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from their bodies, the sources added.
A search operation was under way to find any remaining suspected terrorists.
Security forces remain committed to fighting terrorism across the country under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, the sources said.
Reported By: Special Reporter I Islamabad
