ZHOB, Aug. 8 -- Security forces killed 33 terrorists during a major counterterrorism operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan's Zhob district, according to the military's media wing.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the terrorists were attempting to infiltrate through the Sambaza area on the night of August 7 and 8. The militants reportedly belonged to the "Indian proxy Fitna al Khwaraj" - a term the state uses for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Troops detected the infiltration attempt and launched a swift and precise response. "As a result of bold and skilful engagement, 33 Indian-sponsored Khawarij were sent to hell," the ISPR stated. The mil...