Security forces kill 29 militants in border operations, says Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday that security forces killed 29 militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) and subsequent precision strikes targeting militant hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

In a post on X, Tarar said the operations were launched following recent terrorist attacks targeting civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as well as the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Karachi.

He said security forces carried out a well-planned intelligence-led ground operation in Bajaur district on June 28, targeting militants affiliated with the Indian proxy Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij.

According to the minister, high-value militant commander Khan Farosh, alias Zabal, along with three other Jamaat-ul-Ahrar militants, was killed during the operation, while several others were injured.

Tarar said that, as part of the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, security forces conducted precision strikes overnight between June 28 and 29 against militant camps and hideouts in border areas.

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He said three targets located in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar were destroyed, resulting in the deaths of 25 militants. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted camps were also destroyed during the operation.

The information minister said Pakistan remained committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region but would not compromise on the safety and security of its citizens.

He added that the country’s counterterrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021. In response, security forces have launched multiple counterterrorism operations, including Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting militant groups operating along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.