Twenty-four militants were killed during a series of military operations by the Pakistani army in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest of the country, following a rise in armed attacks, the latest being a suicide bombing with an explosive-laden vehicle targeting security forces and civilians in the Bannu area.

The army announced in a statement today (Friday) that security forces carried out extensive joint operations in the Bannu area and neighboring regions over the past 24 hours, resulting in the deaths of 24 militants after intense clashes, and the seizure of quantities of weapons and ammunition in their possession.

Pakistani army spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the operation came in light of the recent escalation in terrorist activities targeting police forces, and the suicide attack witnessed in Bannu, emphasizing that the forces have initiated intelligence operations to track down the perpetrators of the attacks and their supporting infrastructure.

He added that military operations in the region will continue, warning the perpetrators of these brutal and cowardly acts that they will be brought to justice. He stressed that the ongoing campaign against terrorism, carried out by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in Pakistan under the "Determined Resolve" vision, approved by the Federal Committee for the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate terrorism supported and funded by foreign entities within the country.

This operation comes days after a suicide attack targeted a police checkpoint in the Bannu area, resulting in the deaths of 14 police officers and injuries to others, following the detonation of an explosive-laden vehicle followed by an armed assault, in the latest wave of escalating violence in the border regions with Afghanistan.

For his part, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif praised the security forces and law enforcement agencies following the success of the operation, confirming that the militants killed were responsible for targeting police personnel and civilians in the recent attacks in Bannu city.

Sharif stated that the rapid response and professionalism of the security forces deserve appreciation, adding that the entire nation stands with its brave soldiers. He affirmed that eliminating terrorism and those who support it remains a priority for the government, pledging to bring all those responsible for the attacks to justice.