Over 71 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Operations: ISPR
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz praise security forces for operations across the province
RAWALPINDI: More than 71 terrorists have been killed during security operations in different parts of Balochistan over the past 96 hours, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations included Operation Shaban and separate intelligence-based actions in several districts of the province.
Security forces launched an operation in Ziarat and surrounding areas on September 21 after intelligence reports identified suspected terrorist hideouts in the region.
The ISPR said troops cleared several hideouts during the operation and killed 33 terrorists in exchanges of fire. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered, according to the military.
The operation was subsequently intensified, with another 23 terrorists reported killed during the following 72 hours. Security forces also continued clearance activities in the area.
In a separate intelligence-based operation in Nushki district on September 25, security forces killed 11 terrorists, according to ISPR.
Another six terrorists were killed during an operation in Mand, where weapons and ammunition were also recovered.
The military said the operations were aimed at countering groups it identifies as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. ISPR also alleged that foreign support was involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan. These allegations were presented by the military as part of its account of the operations.
The security forces said clearance operations would continue until the reported threats in the affected areas were neutralised.
The operations are being conducted under the broader counter-terrorism framework of Azm-e-Istehkam, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
President, PM Praise Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately praised the security forces following the reported operations.
The President said the elimination of more than 71 terrorists and the clearance of terrorist hideouts reflected the efforts of security personnel and reiterated that operations against terrorism would continue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to countering terrorism and praised the security forces for their operations in Balochistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the security forces, saying their operations had disrupted terrorist activities in different parts of the province.
The government and security authorities have said counter-terrorism operations will continue as part of efforts to address militant activity across Balochistan.
