Security forces kill 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Balochistan operations: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces killed 17 India-backed terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations conducted in different areas of Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Ketch districts of Balochistan province, following the train incident on May 24.

"During the conduct of these operations, own troops effectively engaged multiple terrorist locations. Following intense and fierce exchanges of fire, 17 terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Hindustan have been sent to hell, giving a significant blow to the terrorist networks operating in these areas," the statement said.

The military’s media wing said that weapons, ammunition and large cache of explosives and prepared Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) have also been recovered from killed Indian-sponsored terrorist, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

"Sanitisation operations continue to eliminate terrorists from these areas, as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday praised the security forces for a series of successful intelligence-based operations (IBOs) carried out in different areas of Balochistan, appreciating their courage, professionalism, and effective execution.

According to a statement from the President Secretariat Media Wing, President Zardari lauded the counter-terrorism operations conducted in Mastung, Noshki, Zehri, Khuzdar, and Kech districts. 
He said these actions resulted in the elimination of 17 terrorists and termed them an important achievement in the ongoing fight against militancy.

The president further reiterated that removing the threat of terrorism—particularly elements allegedly supported and directed from outside the country—remains one of the state’s foremost priorities. 
President maintained that the plans of what he referred to as “Fitna al-Hindustan” and its supporters would not be allowed to succeed.

In a separate statement issued by the PM Office Media Wing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the security forces for neutralising 17 terrorists linked to the same network and operating under what he described as Indian backing.

He said that the entire nation deeply values the sacrifices and dedication of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in ensuring national security.

The prime minister noted that the success of these operations reflects the unity and firm resolve of the country against terrorism.

He added that any hostile designs aimed at destabilising Pakistan’s peace, development, and stability would be strongly countered.

PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed that counter-terrorism operations will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated from the country, stressing that the government remains fully supportive of the security forces in their mission to protect the nation.