Twenty-two terrorists killed in aerial strikes on Afghan hideouts: MoIB

Aerial strikes targeting alleged terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan killed 22 militants, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on Thursday.

In a statement on X, the ministry said the “well-planned and calibrated” strikes were carried out as part of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq and the ongoing campaign against terrorists, their networks and supporters.

According to the ministry, the strikes were conducted on the basis of “credible intelligence” and targeted two locations in Afghanistan allegedly being used as camps and hideouts by organisations referred to by Pakistan as Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan, as well as their affiliates.

“Targets were destroyed with precision and initial reports suggest killing of twenty-two terrorists,” the ministry said.

It added that large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted locations were also destroyed.

‘Maximum precautions taken’

The ministry said the strikes were aimed specifically at alleged terrorist hubs and that maximum precautions were taken to prevent civilian casualties and collateral damage.

“Pakistan has always strived for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. However, the safety and security of our citizens remains our foremost priority,” it said.

The ministry described Afghanistan’s continued presence as a “hub of terrorism” as a matter of grave concern and said the threat to Pakistan emanated from Afghan territory.

Counterterrorism campaign to continue

The ministry said the counterterrorism campaign under Ghazab Lil Haq, being conducted under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework, would continue at full pace.

It said the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue efforts to eliminate what it described as “foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism” from the country.