RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 36 terrorists during multiple counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan in the past 12 to 24 hours, taking the total number of militants killed in the province over the past 48 to 72 hours to 48, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted multiple intelligence-based operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts as part of an intensified campaign against what it described as Indian-sponsored terrorism.
The military said the militants belonged to the proxies “Fitna al Hindustan” and “Fitna al Khawarij”.
In Mastung, security forces detected and engaged the movement of militants during an intelligence-based operation on Friday. An intense exchange of fire followed, resulting in the killing of six terrorists, according to ISPR.
A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices was also destroyed during the operation, it said.
In another intelligence-based operation in the Shaban area of Quetta district, troops identified four militant hideouts.
An exchange of fire took place after security forces engaged the militants, resulting in the deaths of 26 members of Fitna al Khawarij, ISPR said.
Security forces also raided a terrorist hideout in Kalat and killed two militants whom ISPR described as Indian-sponsored terrorists.
In the Bhag area of Sibi district, security forces, with support from the local population, swiftly responded to an attempted militant raid on a police station.
Two terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, according to the military.
The latest operations brought the number of terrorists killed across Balochistan during the past 48 to 72 hours to 48, ISPR said.
“Sanitisation operations” are continuing to eliminate any other militants found in the areas, the military added.
ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under the government’s “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework would continue at full pace to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country.
The initiative was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, according to the military’s media wing.
PM praises successful operation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful operations against militants in Balochistan and commended their professionalism and bravery following the killing of 48 terrorists.
“We will continue the fight against terrorism until the menace is completely eliminated from the country,” Shehbaz said.
He said the security forces were conducting effective operations against militants seeking to undermine peace and stability in the country.
The prime minister vowed that attempts to destabilise Balochistan would not be allowed to succeed.
“The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces in their unwavering commitment to protect the country,” he said.
Shehbaz said the sacrifices and efforts of the security forces reflected their continued resolve to protect Pakistan and defeat terrorism.
