Security forces killed 54 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan as they tried to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation was conducted in Hassan Khel, North Waziristan between Friday and Sunday.

“As a result of precise and skillful engagement, all fifty four khawarij have been sent to hell. A large cache of weapons, ammunition & explosives was also recovered from the killed Khawarij,” ISPR added.

The statement added that this is the highest number of terrorists killed during a single operation. ISPR said that security forces showed ‘exceptional professionalism, vigilance & preparedness’ in conducting the operation.

“Intelligence reports indicate that this group of khawarij was specifically infiltrating on behest of their “foreign masters” to undertake high profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan,” ISPR added.

The statement added that the terrorist infiltration attempt came at a time when India is levelling allegations against Pakistan which ‘clearly implies on whose cues FAK is operating’.

“The recent NSC also underscored the fact that distracting Pakistan’s security forces from their focus on the war against terror seems to be the strategic intent of India to allow a breathing space to FAK which is reeling from the onslaught of our Armed Forces resolute offensive against them,” ISPR added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the successful operation adding that anyone plotting against Pakistan will be tackled the same way.

“If anyone tries to cross the line again, they will meet the same fate,” he added.

The operation came a few days after Pakistan’s National Security Committee announced countermeasures against India after the latter blamed Pakistan for the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Pakistan announced that it would revoke visas for Indians, close its airspace to Indian flights and slash Indian diplomatic presence in Pakistan.