216 terrorists ‘sent to hell’ as operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 concludes in Balochistan: ISPR

Security forces have “successfully concluded” Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan, eliminating 216 terrorist elements associated with Indian-sponsored proxy networks, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations was launched to dismantle groups seeking to disrupt peace and development in the province.

“Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence, and seamless joint execution Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies with support of intelligence agencies under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 responded with precision and resolve. As a result of these well-coordinated engagements, 216 terrorists have been sent to hell,” it said.

The operation was initiated on January 29, following credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in Panjgur and the outskirts of Harnai District, the ISPR said.

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In the opening phase, security forces targeted identified hideouts, killing 41 terrorists.

This was followed by a broader campaign of combing and sanitisation operations across multiple areas to neutralise sleeper cells and command-and-control structures belonging to “Fitna al-Hindustan”, it said.

The military’s media wing confirmed that the precision strikes significantly degraded the operational capabilities of these networks. A substantial cache of foreign-origin weapons, explosives, and equipment was recovered, with preliminary analysis pointing toward systematic external facilitation and logistical support for the extremists.

The success came at a heavy cost, as 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, embraced martyrdom during the operations. Additionally, 22 brave personnel from the security forces and law enforcement agencies made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the country’s territorial integrity.

The Pakistan Armed Forces reaffirmed their resolve to continue counter-terrorism efforts under the National Action Plan (NAP) until the complete eradication of such threats.

The ISPR added that Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the people of Pakistan, specially Balochistan, to prefer peace and unity over violence.

President, PM pay tribute

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the security forces and law enforcement agencies on the successful completion of Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan.

In a statement, the president said that the timely action by security forces has foiled the nefarious attempts of “Fitna al-Hindustan” to sabotage peace in Balochistan. He emphasised that the complete eradication of foreign-backed terrorism from the country remains a top priority.

President Zardari expressed satisfaction that coordinated, intelligence-based operations have broken the back of the leadership and operational capabilities of foreign-sponsored terrorist networks.

The president also paid homage to the innocent civilians and security personnel martyred during the operation and expressed his heartfelt sympathies to their families. “The nation salutes the sacrifices of its martyrs and stands united against terrorism,” he remarked.

Separately, the prime minister also lauded the professional capabilities of the security forces for breaking the back of the enemies of Balochistan’s peace and development and for sending a total of 216 terrorists to hell during the operation.

He expressed profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of 36 individuals, including women and children, during the terrorists’ actions against innocent civilians.

Paying homage to the 22 security personnel who embraced martyrdom by prioritising the protection of the motherland over their own lives, the premier stated that the Pakistani nation can never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs.

“The nefarious aims of cowardly terrorists to sabotage peace by targeting innocent civilians will always be foiled,” he said.

PM Shehbaz remarked that by targeting innocent civilians, terrorists have proven they are enemies of the people and the progress and prosperity of Balochistan. He reaffirmed the commitment to continue the war against the menace of terrorism until its complete eradication from the country. “The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Armed Forces in the unwavering resolve to protect the motherland,” the prime minister added.