Pakistan says 22 terrorists killed in airstrikes on Afghan hideouts

Pakistan on Thursday said it had conducted “well-planned and calibrated” aerial strikes against terrorist hideouts and safe havens at two locations in Afghanistan, killing 22 terrorists. In a statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) said the strikes were carried out as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, “based on credible intelligence about camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, Fitna al Hindustan and their affiliates. ” It said the targets were selected and hit with precision and accuracy, while initial reports indicated that 22 terrorists had been killed. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the hideouts were also destroyed, the ministry said. The MoIB said Pakistan had always sought peace and stability in the region, but the safety and security of its citizens remained its foremost priority. “It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism, ” the statement said, adding that Pakistan considered the threat to be emanating from Afghanistan. It said maximum precautions had been taken during the operation to avoid collateral damage. The ministry added that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign under Operation Ghazab lil Haq and the Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue “at full pace” against foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.

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