DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan district, following reports about the presence of militants on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by ISPR, troops effectively engaged a militant hideout during the operation. After an intense exchange of fire, at least 22 militants were killed.

Following the operation, a sanitisation process has been launched in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining militants and prevent their escape.

The statement said the operation was part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the national vision “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, aimed at completely eliminating the threat of terrorism.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies reaffirmed their determination to continue operations across the country to maintain peace and stability.