12 militants and a soldier killed in two security operations in northwestern and southwestern Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- The Pakistani military announced on Saturday the killing of 12 militants and one of its soldiers during two separate security operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

In a statement, the military said that security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Nasir district of Balochistan province, resulting in the death of seven militants, including a suicide bomber, and the destruction of their hideout along with stocks of ammunition and explosives.

It added that another operation conducted in the Razmak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province led to the killing of five militants, while a colonel was killed during clashes with militants while leading the force participating in the operation. Security forces also seized weapons and ammunition held by the militants.

The military affirmed the continuation of search operations to track down any other armed elements, reiterating its commitment to continuing the fight against terrorism.

For their part, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the performance of the security forces, emphasizing the state’s full support for efforts to eradicate terrorism. This comes as Pakistan witnesses an escalation in armed attacks, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, which border Afghanistan. (End) S.B.K / M.N.F