Security forces kill 12 militants in Balochistan: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed 12 militants in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts under “Operation Radd-ul-Fitnah 3”, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations targeted militants belonging to “Fitna al Hindustan”, a term used by Pakistan for Indian-backed militant groups.

The ISPR said the first operation was conducted on August 5 in Washuk district after security forces received intelligence about the movement of militants in the area.

During the operation, troops effectively engaged the militants’ hideout, killing six terrorists, the ISPR said.

The ISPR said that the second intelligence-based operation was carried out on August 6 in Mastung district, where security forces eliminated another six militants and destroyed their hideouts.

It said the operations were part of the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fitnah 3, aimed at eliminating terrorism and dismantling militant networks operating in the country.

“The security forces remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan and will continue operations until the threat is eradicated,” the ISPR said.

President, PM laud security forces

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the successful operations, commending them for killing the 12 militants.

In a statement, the president said the successful operations reflected the professionalism, courage and unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s security forces in combating terrorism.

He described “Fitna al Hindustan” and its facilitators as enemies of Pakistan’s peace, stability and development, adding that the country’s security forces would continue to foil the designs of terrorists.

“The nefarious designs of terrorists will be defeated at all costs,” the president said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for successfully conducting separate operations against terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan in Washuk and Mastung districts.

The prime minister praised the security forces for killing 12 terrorists during the operations.

“Under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the security forces are achieving remarkable successes in the fight against terrorism,” the prime minister said.

“We remain determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country,” he added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the security forces for the successful operations in Washuk and Mastung.

He commended the troops for eliminating 12 militants and praised their professionalism, bravery and operational capabilities.

Naqvi said the nation highly valued the sacrifices and successes of the security forces in restoring peace in Balochistan.

“The entire nation stands united against terrorism and firmly supports the security forces in their efforts to eliminate the menace,” he said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the successful operations in Washuk and Mastung reflected the nation’s resolve against terrorism.

“We will foil every conspiracy aimed at disrupting peace in Balochistan,” Bugti said.

He said the fight against terrorism was the responsibility of the entire nation, adding that national unity and cohesion were indispensable.

The chief minister said the Balochistan government would continue to ensure peace, protect the lives and property of citizens, and sustain the province’s development process.

He added that operations against terrorists and foreign-backed elements would continue.

Pakistan has intensified intelligence-based operations across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent months amid a surge in militant attacks, with security forces continuing targeted operations against armed groups involved in attacks on civilians and security personnel.

The latest operations come as authorities reaffirm their commitment to dismantling militant networks and maintaining pressure on insurgent groups operating in the country’s restive regions.