Eight India-sponsored terrorists killed in Balochistan: ISPR

QUETTA: Security forces have killed eight suspected terrorists in three intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.

The operations were carried out on October 17 following reports about the presence of militants allegedly linked to Indian-backed group Fitna al Hindustan, the military’s media wing said.

In Quetta’s Panjpai area, security personnel foiled an attempt by militants to establish a roadblock aimed at disrupting local traffic. The operation resulted in the killing of five terrorists, according to the ISPR statement.

In a separate operation in Nushki, security forces raided a suspected militant hideout. Two terrorists were killed following an intense exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the site.

Meanwhile, security forces conducted another intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar, targeting a militant hideout. One terrorist was killed during the action, while troops recovered approximately 490 kilogrammes of explosives, the ISPR said.

Security personnel subsequently launched sanitisation operations in the affected areas to search for any remaining militants and prevent further terrorist activity.

The military said counterterrorism efforts under the national security initiative Azm-i-Istehkam would continue in coordination with law enforcement agencies to eliminate foreign-backed terrorism from the country.

Balochistan has experienced a rise in militant violence in recent years, prompting authorities to intensify security operations across the province.

On the night of October 12 and 13, security forces killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Washuk district, according to an earlier ISPR statement.

Provincial officials subsequently reported the arrest of six suspected members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two alleged female suicide bombers and two commanders of a banned organisation during separate operations across Balochistan.

Officials also said around 90 arrested militants were being held at a designated centre, where investigations and legal proceedings were under way.

Earlier this month, five more terrorists were reported killed in an operation in Mastung district.

Data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed that terrorist attacks in Balochistan increased from 83 in July to 89 in August, a rise of around seven per cent. The report identified Balochistan as the province most affected by terrorism during the period.