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At least 44 militants were killed in separate counterterrorism operations carried out by Pakistan’s security forces over the past 24 hours, officials said. Three police officers, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were also killed in militant attacks during the same period.
According to the Anadolu Agency, the clashes took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said militants attacked a police checkpoint in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa late Wednesday night, killing three police personnel, including a DSP.
Security forces launched a retaliatory operation following the attack and killed eight militants, preventing further casualties, he said. Police reported that 18 officers were injured during the exchange of fire.
Earlier, the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said 24 militants were killed during intelligence-based operations in Khyber district near the Afghan border. Another eight militants were killed in separate operations in Nushki district of Balochistan.
The ISPR said a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and destroyed during the operations. Security forces are continuing searches to locate remaining militants.
Police also reported that four suspected militants were killed during an ongoing operation in Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces are continuing clearance activities.
Swat, one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations, was once a major stronghold of militant groups. The government regained control of the valley after a large-scale military operation in 2009.
Militant attacks have increased across Pakistan in recent years. Islamabad has repeatedly blamed Afghanistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the violence, while Kabul has denied the allegations.