Security forces kill 4 more Indian-sponsored terrorists in Mastung: state media

Quetta (Web Desk): Security forces have killed four more terrorists during an operation carried out in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung district in Balochistan.

Radio Pakistan first reported the development, stating that the militants were affiliated with Fitna-al-Hindustan, a designation used by the Pakistani state for Balochistan-based militant groups to emphasise India's alleged involvement in terrorism and efforts to destabilise Pakistan.

Quoting security officials, the broadcaster said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was seized from the dead terrorists. It added that several other individuals suspected of facilitating terrorist activities were also arrested during the operation.

The officials further said that search and sanitisation efforts remain underway in the area, while security forces are continuing round-the-clock surveillance to ensure the operation is brought to its conclusion, Radio Pakistan reported.

The Interior Ministry later confirmed the operation and the deaths of the four terrorists through a post on X, adding that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had praised the security personnel for carrying out the successful mission.

"The interior minister commended the professional capabilities of the security forces after the killing of the four terrorists."

The ministry also said that large-scale and effective operations against terrorists were continuing across Balochistan. It quoted Naqvi as saying that the alliance between Fitna-al-Khawarij — the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — and Fitna-al-Hindustan would not be able to disrupt peace in the country.

Meanwhile, state-run PTV News reported that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also applauded the security forces for the successful operation, saying they had foiled the "nefarious designs of the terrorists by killing them".