33 militants killed in security operations across Balochistan since September 21: ISPR

Security forces have killed 33 militants in a series of operations conducted across different parts of Balochistan since September 21, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed 33 militants in a series of operations conducted across different parts of Balochistan since September 21, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In a statement issued on Friday, the military’s media wing said five more militants were killed during Operation Shaban, taking the reported death toll in the operation to 22.

According to ISPR, security personnel recovered weapons, ammunition and explosive material from militant hideouts during the operation. A clearance operation in the area is continuing and will remain underway until the security threat has been fully addressed, the statement said.

The military said security forces have also carried out intelligence-based operations in other parts of Balochistan as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

In Nushki, an intelligence-led operation was conducted against a suspected militant hideout. ISPR said security personnel engaged the militants in an intense exchange of fire during the operation, resulting in the deaths of 11 militants.

With the reported casualties from Operation Shaban and the Nushki operation the total number of militants killed in security operations across Balochistan since September 21 has reached 33, according to ISPR.

The military described the targeted individuals as Indian-sponsored militants and said the operations were conducted to counter militant activity and prevent attacks in the province.

ISPR said security forces and law-enforcement agencies continue to conduct operations under the government’s broader counterterrorism framework, including Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.

The latest operations form part of continuing efforts to disrupt militant networks, recover weapons and explosives and clear areas identified as potential militant strongholds.

According to the military, security forces will continue clearance and intelligence-based operations in areas where militant activity is detected.

The reported casualty figures and other operational details are based on ISPR’s account. Independent verification of the reported deaths and the circumstances of the clashes was not included in the statement.

The developments come amid continued security challenges in Balochistan, where Pakistani authorities have carried out intelligence-based and counterterrorism operations against armed groups operating in the province.