Security forces killed seven terrorists and injured several others during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Lajay area of Kharan district, state-run Pakistan Television reported.
The operation was conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. According to security sources, weapons, ammunition, two vehicles and a motorcycle were recovered from the terrorists’ hideouts.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the operation, describing the destruction of terrorist hideouts and recovery of weapons as an “important achievement”.
He said action against terrorist elements operating with foreign support was essential to protect national security and added that the nation stood behind the security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the forces for the successful operation and praised their professional capabilities.
In a statement, the Interior Ministry said the security forces’ achievements in restoring peace in Balochistan were commendable, adding that intelligence-based operations would continue “until the last terrorist is eliminated”.
The latest operation follows several similar actions in Balochistan.
On Saturday, security forces killed 10 terrorists and injured several others during an IBO in the Shor Pard area of Khuzdar district.
Earlier, 18 terrorists were killed in Surab district, including eight in a premature explosion, according to the military’s media wing. Five terrorists, including a key commander, were also killed in an IBO in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas of Panjgur district.
The operations come amid a deteriorating security situation in Balochistan.
According to a Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) assessment released on July 31, the province recorded a sharp rise in violence during July.
The overall death toll in Balochistan increased by 241 per cent, rising from 109 in June to 372 in July. The deaths of security personnel surged from six to 62, while terrorist fatalities increased from 75 to 238. Civilian deaths also rose from 28 to 54, while 18 members of peace committees were killed during the month.
