23 hostages rescued, five terrorists killed: Security forces foil bid to disrupt Kalat highway

QUETTA: Security forces have foiled an attempt by terrorists to disrupt public movement on the N-25 highway near Kalat, killing five militants and safely recovering 23 hostages, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the military’s media wing, the terrorists had established a checkpoint on the highway to abduct people, extort money and seize vehicles.

Security forces responded promptly and killed five terrorists during the operation, while a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the militants’ hideout. Six trucks, three buses and two cars were recovered from the site, according to the ISPR.

The operation comes amid intensified security operations against militants across Balochistan under Operation Raddul Fitna 3.

On Saturday, security forces killed eleven militants in separate operations in Balochistan. The operations were conducted under Operation Raddul-Fitna 3 against militants in Panjgur and Chagai.

According to security sources, security forces carried out an operation in Gwargo, Panjgur, in which five militants were killed. In separate operations in Aminabad and Siah Chang, six more militants were killed, the sources said.

Security sources said a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the militants killed during the operations in Chagai. The operations were carried out as part of ongoing actions against militants in the province, according to the sources.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have praised the security forces for carrying out a successful operation near Kalat.

The president commended the professional capabilities of the security forces and paid tribute to their efforts. He said the nation stood alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the forces for their timely action during the operation. He said attempts involving kidnapping for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching were foiled through prompt action. The prime minister said decisive operations against terrorism would continue under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. He also said the government and security forces would work to eliminate terrorism that was being carried out with foreign support and assistance.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised Pakistan’s security forces for their operations against militants in Balochistan under Operation Raddul-Fitna 3. Naqvi commended the professional capabilities of the forces and paid tribute to the personnel involved in the operations. He said the security forces had demonstrated their resolve to protect national security by thwarting the militants’ alleged plans. He expressed pride in the personnel taking part in Operation Raddul-Fitna 3.

Naqvi said the nation stood alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism. He added that operations against what the government refers to as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were continuing with full force and would continue.