ISLAMABAD, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants during a large-scale operation in the Orakzai district of the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, days after an attack that left several soldiers dead, the military said on Friday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement that the operation was launched in the Jamal Maya area of Orakzai following credible intelligence about the presence of militants involved in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack.
After an intense exchange of fire, all 30 militants were killed, the statement said, adding that the group was involved in orchestrating the "heinous incident" earlier in the week.
According to military sources, terrorists attacked a group of soldiers in the district during a search operation on Tuesday in which 11 soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and a major-ranked officer, were killed.
"These successful operations have avenged the attack and brought the main perpetrators to justice," said the ISPR.
The ISPR added that clearance operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining militants.
Pakistani President Asif Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for their brave action against militants, stating that Pakistan's continued success in the fight against terrorism reflects its unwavering resolve.