Pakistani security forces have killed nine terrorists, including four key commanders, in an intelligence-based operation in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday.

Axar.az reports, citing Xinhua, that the operation was conducted in the Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khizri areas of North Waziristan district.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists. Several hideouts of the group were also destroyed during the operation, the sources added.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately said the operations demonstrated the capability and resolve to eliminate terrorism and ensure lasting peace in the country.