ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (KUNA) -- At least 22 militants were killed by security forces in an intelligence-based operation in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan.
The security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan district of KPK on reported presence of militants, Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday.
The troops effectively engaged the militants' location and after an intense exchange of fire, 22 militants were killed, according to the statement.
Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other militant found in the area, as the relentless Counter Terrorism campaign by security forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, the military added.
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to security forces for successful operation in Dera Ismail Khan district. In separate statements, they applauded the security forces for killing 22 militants in the operation. They said that the entire nation stands resolute alongside the security forces in the war against terrorism which will continue till the complete elimination of the menace from the country.
Earlier in the week, security forces killed 22 militants in an intelligence-based operation in Bannu District of KPK. The operations come at a time when Pakistan is witnessing a rise in terror attacks especially in KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan. (pickup previous) sbk.gb