ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 37 Indian-backed terrorists in intelligence-based counterterrorism operations in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the border region with Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in a statement, on Monday said that in the aftermath of multiple recent terrorist incidents against the innocent people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a well-planned intelligence-based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated airstrikes against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organisations responsible for these attacks.
“On 20 September 2026, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a group of terrorists in Kohat and Hangu Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, nine khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were sent to hell, while several were injured,” it said.
In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa, a well planned intelligence based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated Air Strikes…
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) September 21, 2026
Moreover, based on credible intelligence, selective targeting of Terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij and its affiliates has also been carried out in the border region with Afghanistan with precision and accuracy.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Three targets were destroyed with precision, including a suicide bombers’ training centre, killing 18 terrorists alongside multiple suicide bombers. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these centres and hideouts were also destroyed,” it said.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that Islamabad has always strived for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. However, the safety and security of our citizens remain our foremost priority.
The Information Ministry stated that it is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism. It said the threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan. “In this context, our action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs. Maximum precautions were taken, and it was ensured that no collateral damage occurs,” it said.
The Information Ministry stated that the relentless counter-terrorism campaign, Ghazab lil Haq, under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam” by the country’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
Pakistan strikes TTP hideouts in Afghanistan
Earlier, Pakistan carried out strikes on banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in areas adjoining the Afghanistan border during the night of September 20-21, targeting locations used by terrorists for infiltration into the country.
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Pakistani security sources said the strikes targeted known TTP hideouts in eastern Afghanistan. The operation followed a series of deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent days, including an attack on a police compound in Kohat that martyred security personnel and civilians.
The latest strikes were reported in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces.
The security officials said the targets were terrorist sanctuaries. Meanwhile, the public in the border areas strongly demands that Pakistan should target the head of the snake.
The TTP, a separate terrorist organisation from Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban but closely aligned with it ideologically, has carried out numerous attacks inside Pakistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban regime in Kabul to rein in TTP leaders and operators who are freely using Afghan territory for refuge, planning, and preparing terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
