17 militants killed, soldier martyred in Balochistan operations: ISPR

Security forces killed 17 militants in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan's Kachhi and Kharan districts on November 1, according to the ISPR, the military's media wing. A soldier was martyred in an exchange of fire during the operations.

The ISPR said the militants belonged to groups it called Fitna Al Hindustan and Fitna Al Khawarij, which it described as Indian-sponsored. Daily Pakistan reported that the Pakistan Army spokesperson said the operations were carried out separately in the two districts after information about the presence of such militants was received.

In the first operation, in the Sanni area of Kachhi district, security forces killed 10 militants. According to the ISPR, troops also foiled an attempt by militants to establish a roadblock in the city. Weapons and ammunition were recovered in the Kachhi operation.

In a separate operation in Kharan district, security forces raided a militant hideout and killed seven militants during an intense exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the hideout.

Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, a resident of Karak district, was martyred in the Kharan exchange of fire. Daily Pakistan reported that he was fighting bravely when he was killed.

The ISPR said sanitization operations were under way to eliminate any remaining militants in the area. It added that the counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative would continue.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces. Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah and prayed for the elevation of the martyr's ranks. Zardari said the timely action by security forces foiled the roadblock attempt in Kachhi district. Naqvi also paid tribute to the soldier and said: "I salute the security forces for eliminating 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists."