ISLAMABAD, 21 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Security forces have killed 37 terrorists in large-scale ground and air operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and areas along the Afghanistan border, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The ministry said intelligence-based operations were conducted in Kohat, Hangu and Thall, where nine terrorists were killed on September 20. In the border region adjoining Afghanistan, security forces destroyed three hideouts belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij and affiliated terrorist groups, along with a training centre for suicide bombers. A total of 28 terrorists, including several suicide bombers, were killed in the operation, while weapons and ammunition stored at the hideouts were also destroyed. The Ministry of Information said maximum precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties and property damage, adding that the counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative would continue. The ministry stressed that the protection and security of citizens remained the country’s top priority and that efforts would continue to counter foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.