The operation was conducted on the night between April 10 and 11Nurar, Bannu District presence of terrorists was reported by intelligence.

“During conduct of the operation, fierce fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists,” the statement said.

• Read: TTP Militants kill four policemen in Balochistan

The statement also said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists.

“The killed terrorists remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and killing of innocent citizens,” the statement said.

Intelligence-based operations by security forces have gained frequency in recent months after the country was hit by a fresh layer of terrorist attacks since the end of last year.

An attack claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan killed four policement in Balochistan while another attack targeting a police mobile in Quetta’s Kandhari Bazaar killed multiple people on Monday.

Many attacks in the latest layer of terrorism have been directed towards police and other law enforcement officials. However, civilian targets have also been hit by terror attacks such as a bombing near the Jaffer Express train near Sibi. However, no lives were lost as the explosion happened after the train had passed.

High-level meetings by officials in recent weeks have reiterated that terrorism will not be allowed to take root in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa again.