11 terrorists killed in Balochistan security operations

QUETTA: Security forces have killed 11 terrorists during separate operations in Balochistan’s Panjgur and Chagai districts, according to security sources.

The operations were carried out under Operation Raddul Fitna 3. Officials said five terrorists were killed in the Gowargo area of Panjgur.

A cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the site following the operation.

In Chagai district, security forces conducted operations in the Aminabad and Siah Chang areas. Six terrorists were killed during the action, while weapons and explosive material were also recovered.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the operations. He said the forces had once again disrupted terrorist plans through effective action.

Naqvi said the operations reflected the security forces’ resolve to protect the country and counter emerging threats.

Balochistan has witnessed a rise in militant violence in recent weeks. Security agencies have subsequently intensified intelligence-based and counter-terrorism operations across several districts.

According to a recent assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist attacks in Balochistan rose from 83 in July to 89 in August, marking a seven per cent increase.

Several major security operations have been conducted in the province in recent weeks.

On August 31 and September 1, security forces killed 10 terrorists after an attack on the Customs House near Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway in Pishin. Two security personnel were among six people killed in the exchange of fire.

On August 31, 11 militants were also killed in Chagai’s Nokcha area after they allegedly established an illegal checkpoint on the Quetta-Taftan highway.

Security forces later killed 12 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Kalat on September 2. Separate operations in Kharan and Washuk also resulted in the deaths of 11 terrorists, with security forces recovering around 2.9 tonnes of explosives.

On September 4, the military said 36 terrorists were killed during multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi. The operations also foiled an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.

More recently, seven terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Awaran’s Badrang area. Another seven were killed during separate operations in Panjgur and Kachhi districts on Friday.