Pakistani security forces killed 18 militants in intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said, in the latest round of a long-running campaign against armed groups.

The raids targeted militant hideouts in restive districts of the province, which borders Afghanistan. Officials said weapons and explosives were recovered from the sites. No casualties among security personnel were reported in the official statement.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen repeated attacks in recent years, mostly blamed on groups operating from across the Afghan border. Pakistan has pressed Kabul to act against the militants, but cross-border violence has continued.

The operations are part of a broader military push that has intensified since a wave of attacks hit police and army posts across the province. Hundreds of militants have been killed in similar raids this year, according to official figures.

Security analysts say the campaign has put pressure on militant networks, though attacks continue. The government has vowed to keep up the operations until the threat is eliminated, while local residents hope the raids will bring lasting calm to the region.