14 alleged militants killed in Balochistan CTD operations

QUETTA: At least 14 alleged militants linked to a banned militant organisation were killed in separate operations carried out by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Balochistan.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the casualties occurred during two distinct operations.

The CCD said that the militants were killed in armed exchanges with security personnel, though independent verification of their affiliation with a banned group and circumstances of the killings was not immediately available.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the CTD, saying its personnel had foiled the designs of outlawed organisations.

In the first operation, CTD officials said that 15 to 20 militants crossed the Koh Murdar hills from Degari into the Darakhshan area of Quetta, reportedly waiting for an opportunity to target civilians or installations.

The CTD’s Special Operations Wing personnel were deployed after the armed group was spotted.

The CTD said that the militants opened heavy fire upon noticing the security personnel, injuring three officers.

The ensuing gunfight lasted for about an hour, after which eight militants were killed while the remaining managed to flee using nearby ravines.

In the second operation, the CTD targeted armed militants in Tang Khariad in the Mirwah area of Barkhan district. Officials said at least six suspected militants were killed in an ambush, with the rest escaping.

Weapons, explosives, and flags linked to the banned organisation were reportedly recovered during both operations.

The CTD said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb militant activity in the province.