At least five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation by security forces in the Mir Ali area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the forces conducted an operation in the Mir Ali area on the reported presence of terrorists, reported Dawn News.

“An intense exchange of fire took place during the operation and five terrorists, including their commander, Rahzaib Khuray, were sent to hell,” the statement was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

It said the slain terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as extortion and targeted killings of civilians.

According to reports, weapons were recovered during the operation.

Pakistan is witnessing a spike in terror activities in recent times.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan experienced a major uptick in terror activities ever since banned terror group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government last year.\