At least nine terrorists were killed during a clearance operation conducted by the army after foiling a terror attack on the Mianwali Training Air Base of the Pakistan Air Force on Saturday (November 4, 2023).

In a statement issued in the morning, the Inter-Services Public Relations had said as quoted by Dawn News the attack on the air base had been foiled, with three terrorists “neutralised” and three others “cornered/isolated”.

In an afternoon update, the military confirmed that the “combing and clearance operation at PAF Training Airbase Mianwali has been concluded and all nine terrorists have been sent to hell”.

It added that the operation was launched to “eliminate any potential threat in the surrounding area following the cowardly and failed terrorist attack on the base this morning”.

The ISPR further said that no damage had been done to any of the PAF’s functional operational assets, while only some damage was done to three already phased-out non-operational aircraft during the attack. Dawn News reported.

“The prompt and professional conclusion of the operation serves as a stark reminder to all enemies of peace that Pakistan’s armed forces remain vigilant and are fully capable of defending the homeland from any threat,” the statement asserted.

The Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a newly emerged militant group that is an affiliate of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),  has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar posted on X: "The valiant Pakistan Air Force has once again proven its mettle by thwarting a cowardly terrorist attack in Mianwali. Any attempt to undermine our security will meet with unwavering resistance. The nation stands with you and we salute your courage and resolve."

Former PM Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and wrote on the social media platform: "Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on the Pakistan Air Force base in Mianwali. Salute our security forces for their swift action, preventing casualties and foiling evil plans of our enemies. These repeated attacks reveal our enemies’ desperation, but we stand resilient. Our forces are vigilant, united to defeat terrorism. We’re determined to preserve peace and stability. Prayers for the affected families and our brave security personnel."