48 terrorists killed in ‘intensified’ Balochistan operations: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 36 terrorists in the past 12 to 24 hours during counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Friday, adding that the toll had reached 48 over the past 48 to 72 hours.

describing them as Indian-sponsored terrorists affiliated with the proxies “Fitna al Hindustan” and “Fitna al Khawarij”.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that security forces conducted multiple intelligence-based operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts during the latest phase of the campaign, killing 36 terrorists in the past 12 to 24 hours.

The military said that the operations were part of an intensified counter-terrorism campaign against what it described as Indian-sponsored terrorism in the province.

In Mastung, security forces detected and engaged the movement of militants during an operation on Friday, triggering an intense exchange of fire in which six terrorists were killed, according to ISPR.

A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices was also destroyed at the site, it said.

In another intelligence-based operation in the Shaban area of Quetta district, troops identified four hideouts used by militants. An exchange of fire followed, resulting in the deaths of 26 members of Fitna al Khawarij, ISPR said.

Security forces also raided a terrorist hideout in Kalat and killed two militants described by ISPR as Indian-sponsored terrorists.

In Bhag area of Sibi district, security forces, responding swiftly with support from the local population, foiled an attempt by militants to raid a police station, the military said.

Two terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, according to ISPR.

The latest operations brought the number of terrorists killed across Balochistan during the past 48 to 72 hours to 48, the military said.

“Sanitisation operations” were continuing to eliminate any other militants found in the areas, ISPR said.

The military said the counter-terrorism campaign under the government’s “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework would continue at full pace to eliminate what it called foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

The Azm-e-Istehkam initiative was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, according to ISPR.

PM praises successful operation

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for a successful operation against terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan in Balochistan, commending their professionalism and bravery following the killing of 48 militants.

“We will continue the fight against terrorism until the menace is completely eliminated from the country,” Shehbaz said.

He said security forces were carrying out effective operations against militants seeking to undermine peace in the country and vowed that their attempts to destabilise Balochistan would not be allowed to succeed.

“The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces in their unwavering commitment to protect the country,” the prime minister said.