Security forces killed 11 suspected terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kharan and Washuk districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted on September 6 and 7, respectively, following reports of the presence of militants belonging to what the state refers to as Fitna al Hindustan.
The ISPR said eight suspected terrorists were killed in Kharan after they attempted to establish a roadblock and disrupt traffic in the district on Sunday.
“Security forces promptly intercepted and engaged the terrorists,” the statement said, adding that eight militants were killed during the exchange of fire.
In a separate operation in Washuk on Monday, security forces targeted a suspected terrorist hideout following intelligence reports about the presence of militants.
The ISPR said troops cleared the hideout after an intense exchange of fire, killing three suspected terrorists. Security forces also recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives allegedly being used to prepare improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Sanitisation operations were under way in the area to eliminate any remaining militants, according to the statement.
The ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their counterterrorism campaign under Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, with the aim of eliminating what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operations and the recovery of explosives.
President Zardari said the “nefarious designs” of terrorists allegedly operating with Indian support would be thwarted, adding that operations would continue until the network referred to by the state as Fitna al Hindustan was eliminated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the forces for preventing the attempted roadblock in Kharan and disrupting traffic. He also praised the troops for destroying the suspected terrorist hideout in Washuk and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue operations against militant groups.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces for foiling the alleged terrorist activities and eliminating the suspected militants.
Balochistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks in recent weeks, prompting authorities to intensify counterterrorism operations across the province.
On the night of August 31 and September 1, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway in Pishin district. Security forces killed 10 militants during the ensuing exchange of fire, while six people, including two security personnel, were martyred, according to the ISPR.
On August 31, security forces also killed 11 suspected militants who had allegedly blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway in Chagai’s Nokcha area by setting up a checkpoint for extortion.
On September 2, 12 suspected militants were killed during an IBO in Kalat district, according to the ISPR.
The military’s media wing said on September 4 that 36 more suspected terrorists had been killed during multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts over a 72-hour period.
Balochistan recorded the highest level of militant activity in August, with terrorist attacks rising by 7pc to 89 from 83 in July, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
