Security forces kill 8 terrorists in Balochistan IBOs: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces have killed eight terrorists belonging to an Indian proxy network, “Fitna al-Hindustan,” during two separate high-intensity intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kharan and Mastung districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing stated that security forces received credible intelligence on June 25 regarding the movement of a terrorist group in Kharan.

Acting on this information, troops carried out a precise and skilful operation in which three terrorists were killed, while several others were injured.

In a separate operation conducted the following day in Mastung, security forces launched a pre-emptive intelligence-based action based on information about the possible presence of a suicide bomber.

During an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were neutralised.

The ISPR said weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and motorcycles used by the terrorists were also recovered from the sites of the operations.

It added that sanitisation operations are underway to clear any remaining Indian-sponsored militants in the area. The military reaffirmed that the counterterrorism campaign under “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, is continuing at full pace to eliminate the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Following the operations, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces, saying the successful actions reflected their professionalism, capability, and unwavering resolve.

In their separate statements, they reaffirmed that the entire nation stands firmly with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism and that the campaign will continue until the complete elimination of the menace.

Earlier, in a similar operation in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, a soldier was martyred while security forces killed 14 terrorists who were planning an attack on a police station and banks.

Officials noted that terrorism has been increasing in Pakistan since 2022, with a significant rise in attacks reported in recent years.

They added that while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most affected region, Balochistan continues to face threats from militant networks targeting civilians and security installations.

Security forces reiterated their commitment to continuing operations until lasting peace is achieved across the country.