Security forces kill 48 terrorists in separate Balochistan operations: ISPR

Security forces killed 48 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations across Balochistan during the last 72 hours, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts against what it described as Indian-sponsored militants affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khwarij.

In Mastung, security forces identified and engaged a group of terrorists on September 4. An intense exchange of fire resulted in the killing of six terrorists, while a cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was also destroyed at the site, ISPR said.

In another intelligence-based operation in the Shaban area of Quetta district, security forces identified four militant hideouts. Following an exchange of fire, 26 terrorists were killed, according to ISPR.

Security forces also raided a militant hideout in Kalat, killing two terrorists, while in Bhag area of Sibi district, troops, in coordination with the local population, foiled an attempted attack on a police station. Two terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, it added.

ISPR said 48 terrorists had been killed across Balochistan during the last 48 to 72 hours.

Sanitisation operations are underway to eliminate any other militants in the areas, the military said.

It added that the counter-terrorism campaign under the government-approved “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded security forces for successful counter-terrorism operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi over the past two days, saying more than 1,188 terrorists had been killed in Balochistan this year.

He vowed that operations under “Azm-e-Istehkam” would continue until the elimination of the last terrorist, stressing that Pakistan would make no compromise on peace.