Islamabad, September 21, 2026: Pakistan conducted an intelligence-based ground operation followed by precision airstrikes against militant hideouts and safe havens in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the border region with Afghanistan, the Ministry of Information said on Monday.
According to the ministry, security forces carried out a “well-planned” intelligence-based operation around Kohat, Hangu and Thal following a series of terrorist attacks in the province.
The operation was followed by calibrated airstrikes targeting hideouts and safe havens of militant organisations allegedly responsible for recent attacks that claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel.
The ministry said the ground operation, conducted on September 20 in Kohat and Hangu districts, resulted in the killing of nine militants and injuries to several others.
“Based on credible intelligence, selective targeting of terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khawarij and its affiliates has also been carried out in the border region with Afghanistan with precision and accuracy,” the ministry said.
It added that three targets, including a suicide bomber training centre, were destroyed, resulting in the deaths of 28 militants and several suicide bombers. Large caches of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted centres and hideouts were also destroyed, according to the ministry.
The government reiterated its resolve to maintain peace and stability in the region, while stressing that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained its foremost priority.
The Ministry of Information said it was a matter of “grave concern” that Afghanistan continued to remain a hub of terrorism and alleged that threats to Pakistan emanated from Afghan territory.
It said the military action had precisely targeted terrorist hubs and that maximum precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.
Recent wave of attacks
The latest operations come amid a series of deadly terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces bordering Afghanistan.
At least 22 people, including 16 police officials, were martyred and more than 100 others injured in explosions targeting Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayers on September 18.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid, an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the Old Police Lines before detonating.
Gunfire broke out following the blast, while another suicide explosion occurred at the Special Branch building during an exchange of fire between security personnel and militants, he said.
On September 20, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces had foiled an attempt by militants to disrupt public movement on the N-25 highway near Kalat, killing five militants and safely recovering 23 hostages.
According to the military’s media wing, the militants had established a checkpoint on the highway to abduct people, extort money and seize vehicles.
Later the same day, the ISPR reported that security forces killed eight militants belonging to what it described as India-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij during an exchange of fire in Hangu.
The military said six Pakistan Army personnel were also martyred in the fighting, including Captain Abuzar Farooq and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, who were leading their troops during the operation.
