Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that Pakistani forces killed 26 militants in precise strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting hideouts and safe havens linked to recent terrorist attacks in the country.
In a statement posted on X, Tarar said the operation was launched after a series of attacks, including the assault on a Federal Constabulary post in Musa Dara on June 9, 2026, vehicle-borne suicide attacks on a military post in North Waziristan on June 2, and an attack on a police station in Bannu on May 9.
The strikes came a day after terrorists attacked a security post in Hassan Khel near Peshawar, killing six Federal Constabulary personnel and wounding six others.
Officials said the militants launched the attack around midnight, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire. Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said six FC personnel were martyred during the assault on the remote security post.
According to Tarar, the operation targeted camps and hideouts of planners and commanders associated with Fitna al Khwarij, a term used by Pakistan for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He said credible intelligence enabled security forces to carry out precise strikes that destroyed four key targets.
The destroyed sites included a training centre, a militant hideout, an ammunition cache, and several operational centres linked to commanders Aleem Khan Khushali and Akhtar Muhammad Jani Khel.
Highlighting the outcome of the operation, Tarar said 26 militants were killed in the border operation, while several terrorist facilities were completely eliminated.
He reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability but said the protection of its citizens remains the government’s top priority.
The minister added that the country’s counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue until terrorism is eradicated.
Pakistan has experienced a rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021. Security forces have intensified operations against militant groups amid ongoing tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Relations between the two neighbouring countries have remained strained despite several rounds of talks. Pakistani officials have repeatedly called for stronger action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
