Security forces targeted a vehicle belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan, a term used by the Pakistani state for Balochistan-based militant groups, during an operation in Mastung, according to state media reports.
The vehicle was targeted with a precision strike carried out using a quadcopter, resulting in the deaths of three terrorists, including a commander. The vehicle was also completely destroyed, according to reports by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Radio Pakistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the operation, commending their professionalism and capabilities in eliminating the militants.
Naqvi said the operation had thwarted the terrorists’ plans and prevented them from achieving their objectives. He stressed that security forces remained committed to countering terrorism and protecting the country from militant threats.
The interior minister said continued operations against terrorist groups would be carried out wherever necessary until the threat was eliminated. He also said the nation stood firmly behind the security forces and acknowledged the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.
Balochistan has witnessed a rise in militant violence in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations across the province.
According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist attacks in Balochistan increased by seven per cent, rising from 83 in July to 89 in August.
On the night of August 31 and September 1, militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House near Ziarat Cross along the N-50 National Highway in Pishin district.
Security forces responded to the attack, killing 10 terrorists. Two security officers were among six personnel killed during the exchange of fire, according to the military’s media wing.
On August 31, security forces also killed 11 militants affiliated with Fitna-al-Hindustan after they allegedly established an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway in the Nokcha area of Chagai district.
On September 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district.
In subsequent operations in Kharan and Washuk districts, troops killed another 11 terrorists and recovered around 2.9 tonnes of explosives.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on September 4 that 36 terrorists had been killed during multiple high-intensity operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi. The operations also included an attempt to prevent an attack on a police station in the Bhag area of Sibi.
