15 militants killed in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan

QUETTA: Security forces have killed 15 militants in a series of intelligence-based operations across several districts of Balochistan, while a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from their possession, officials said.

The operations were conducted in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki on the basis of intelligence reports regarding the presence and movement of militants, according to security officials.

Security forces said that the operations inflicted a significant blow to militant networks operating in the province and disrupted their ability to carry out terrorist activities.

A substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the militants during the operations, officials said, without providing further details about the type and quantity of arms seized.

The latest operations come amid continued efforts by security forces to disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks in Balochistan, where security forces and law enforcement agencies have been conducting intelligence-based operations against armed groups.

Operations conducted in multiple districts

According to security officials, the operations were carried out after intelligence agencies received information about the presence of militants in different areas of the province.

Security personnel acted on the intelligence and conducted operations in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki.

Officials said that the operations resulted in the killing of 15 militants and the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.

They said that the successful actions had caused serious damage to the militants’ operational network and would help prevent planned terrorist activities in the province.

Security forces remain determined to continue operations until the threat of terrorism is eliminated, officials said.

Authorities did not immediately provide details about the identities or organisational affiliations of those killed.

Naqvi praises security forces

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for what he described as successful operations against militants in Balochistan.

Naqvi commended the professional capabilities of the security personnel following the killing of 15 militants during the intelligence-based operations.

He said security forces had foiled the “nefarious designs” of what he referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.

“The brave personnel of the security forces fighting against terrorism are the pride of the nation,” Naqvi said.

He expressed confidence that, with the support of the Pakistani nation, Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij would be completely eliminated from Balochistan.

Naqvi also paid tribute to the security personnel engaged in counterterrorism operations, saying their sacrifices and professional capabilities were helping prevent militant groups from carrying out their plans.

Security operations to continue

Security officials reiterated that counterterrorism operations would continue on the basis of intelligence reports and that militants would be pursued wherever they attempted to establish a foothold.

The operations across eight districts underline the security forces’ continued focus on disrupting militant networks before they can carry out attacks, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to militant activity.

Officials said the recovery of weapons and ammunition from the militants indicated that the targeted groups had been preparing for or maintaining the capability to conduct terrorist activities.

The security forces have not provided details about any casualties among their personnel during the latest operations.

The authorities also did not disclose whether any suspects were arrested or provide details about the weapons recovered.

The latest action comes as Balochistan continues to face security challenges, with militant groups targeting security personnel, civilians and state installations in different parts of the province.

Security forces have vowed to maintain pressure on militant networks through intelligence-led operations and prevent them from regrouping or expanding their activities.

The government has repeatedly said that counterterrorism operations will continue until militant threats are eliminated, while officials have stressed that the security forces enjoy the support of the public in their campaign against terrorism.