Nine terrorists killed in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan
Security forces killed nine militants in Kachhi and Wadh districts of Balochistan, the military's media wing said. The operations were carried out on October 26, and clearance operations are continuing.
- Seven militants were killed in Kachhi and two in Wadh, according to ISPR.
- Weapons and ammunition were recovered in both operations.
- Clearance operations are continuing in the area.
- The prime minister and president praised the security forces.
Security forces killed nine militants in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan's Kachhi and Wadh districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing. ISPR said the operations took place on October 26.
ISPR described those killed as members of Fitna al-Hindustan, a term the state uses for militant groups in Balochistan. It said the group acts with Indian sponsorship. The Express Tribune reported that the federal government last year designated all militant groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan and accused India of backing them. The reports do not include any response from India.
In Kachhi district, ISPR said security forces located and destroyed a hideout. An intense exchange of fire followed, and seven militants were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site.
In the second operation, in Wadh district, ISPR said security forces tracked the movement of militants and intercepted them. After another intense exchange of fire, two militants were killed. ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered in this operation as well.
ISPR said clearance operations are under way to find and eliminate any other militants in the area. Security forces are searching the area to deal with any remaining threat.
The statement said the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision called Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace. ISPR said its aim is to end terrorism it describes as foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the professional capabilities of security force officers and personnel for the operations, according to Associated Press of Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari also commended the forces and said the conspiracies of terrorists' foreign patrons and their local facilitators would be foiled.
The Express Tribune noted that, according to ISPR, security forces killed 10 militants, including a woman, in Gwadar on October 23. It also said Pakistan has seen a rise in militant activity over the past three months.
Why it matters
Militant violence in Balochistan affects security across Pakistan and the families living there. The operations and the continuing clearance work are part of the state's declared counter-terrorism campaign.
