ISLAMABAD, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed five terrorists and injured seven others during an operation in the Bannu district of the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said a police official on Thursday.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in Bannu, Sajjad Khan, said in a statement that the intelligence-based joint operation was carried out in Akbar Ali Khan village in the Domel area of the district on the reported presence of the terrorists.
The police officer said the joint operation by the Counter Terrorism Department of police resulted in the killing of five militants, while seven others were wounded.
Search operations were continuing to track down those who managed to escape by taking advantage of the mountainous terrain, added the official.
"Domel and surrounding areas are mountainous and located along the North Waziristan Road. Terrorists will be brought to justice, and law and order will be maintained at all costs," the police officer said.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the swift action by security forces, saying the joint operation had foiled the militants' plans.
"With the support of the nation, security forces are continuing their efforts to completely eliminate terrorists," said the prime minister. ■
