23 terrorists killed in operations in Pakistan

Peshawar: Pakistani security forces killed 23 terrorists during a series of operations conducted on Wednesday and Thursday in the country's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military's media wing said on Friday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said troops carried out intelligence-based operations at multiple areas, including Datta Khel, Spinwam and Bannu, and engaged terrorists in intense exchanges of fire.

As many as 23 terrorists were killed in these operations, it said.

According to the ISPR, a wanted militant, identified as Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib, was also killed during the operations, dealing a major blow to terrorist networks operating in the region.

Saqib was wanted for his alleged involvement in several terror activities, including the killing of security personnel and civilians.

The military said weapons, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the slain terrorists.

Security forces also unearthed and destroyed a network of underground tunnels and bunkers allegedly used by the terrorists.

Sanitisation operations were continuing in the affected areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists.

Pakistan has intensified counter-terrorism operations under its 'Azm-e-Istehkam' campaign.