ISLAMABAD

The Pakistan army on Saturday said it foiled a major terrorist attack and killed at least three militants who were reportedly preparing a vehicle-borne suicide attack in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Security forces conducted an operation following credible intelligence about the presence of militants in the Jhallar area of North Waziristan District near the Afghan border and averted a "potential catastrophic attack," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan army, said in a statement.

During the operation, troops destroyed the vehicle being prepared for the suicide attack, it said, adding that three militants were killed.

Following the engagement, security forces initiated a sanitization operation in the area to ensure the elimination of any remaining terrorists and to secure the region against further threats, it further said.

Last week, a suicide bombing killed at least seven security personnel, while troops prevented terrorists from entering a main military base in the ensuing gunfight, killing four militants in Khadi village of North Waziristan.

The explosion was followed by intense gunfire as militants attempted to enter the installation. The security forces, however, foiled their attempt and killed the militants.

On Oct. 16, the military claimed that it killed around 80 militants in different operations in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Mohamnd and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.