Khyber Agency, November 11:Pakistani security forces reportedly killed at least 20 militants said tobe linked to Indian intelligence agencies during a major counter-terrorismoperation in the Khyber District on Sunday night, officials said.
According to initial reports, the operation was launched after intelligenceagencies traced a network of militants allegedly receiving funding andinstructions from across the border. The group had been planning a seriesof attacks targeting security installations and civilians in the region,officials added.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that troops conducted theoperation in a remote mountainous area near the Pakistan-Afghanistanborder. “Our forces swiftly neutralized the threat and eliminated 20terrorists in a precise, intelligence-based operation,” the statement read.Weapons, explosives, and communication equipment were also recovered fromthe hideout.
Security sources claimed that the militants were part of a cell workingunder the influence of hostile foreign agencies. “Initial evidence suggeststhe group maintained contact with handlers across the border, with linkspointing toward Indian sponsorship,” an intelligence official said oncondition of anonymity.
The operation is part of Pakistan’s renewed counter-terror campaignfollowing a rise in militant activity in the tribal districts over recentmonths. Local residents reported heavy gunfire and helicopter movement lateat night, followed by a curfew imposed in the surrounding villages.
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The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to eradicatingterrorism from its soil and will “not allow any foreign-sponsored elementsto destabilize national peace.”
No casualties were reported among Pakistani forces. Authorities said asearch and clearance operation is continuing in the area to prevent anyregrouping of militants.