India, April 24 -- Pakistani security forces killed 22 terrorists during a joint intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Khyber District, media reports said on Friday.

During the operation, following an intense exchange of fire, "22 khawarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were sent to hell," Dawn News reported, quoting the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Fitna al Khawarij is a term used by Pakistan for terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

"Due to cowardice and fear of being apprehended alive, khawarij resorted to indiscriminate firing, which resulted in the martyrdom of a 10-year-old innocent child," the ISPR added.

According to reports, President Asif Ali Zardari...