Five terrorists killed, four injured in security operation in Balochistan

QUETTA: Security forces killed five suspected terrorists and injured four others during an intelligence-based operation in the Palantak area of Washuk district, Balochistan, state media reported on Wednesday.

The operation was conducted as part of Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 against an armed group described by the state as Fitna al-Hindustan. Security sources said advanced weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The sources said security forces were continuing operations against militant networks in the province to prevent terrorist activities and maintain peace. The authorities reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorism and improving security across Balochistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their performance during the operation. He said efforts would continue against elements seeking to undermine peace and security in the province and spread fear among the population.

The president also vowed that attempts by foreign sponsors of terrorism and their local facilitators to destabilise the country would be thwarted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for the operation and the killing of five terrorists. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he said the recovery of modern weapons and ammunition highlighted the challenges faced by security personnel.

The prime minister said the continued operations reflected the country’s determination to counter terrorism. He paid tribute to officers and personnel of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices in protecting national security.

Sharif added that operations against terrorist elements would continue with full force and public support until the threat was eliminated. He said the nation stood united behind the security forces in their efforts to restore peace.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the personnel involved in the operation, commending their professionalism and commitment to national security. He said the nation stood alongside security forces in the fight against terrorism.

The operation comes amid a recent increase in militant attacks across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security personnel and civilians have suffered casualties in several incidents.

Last week, a blast at a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan killed 12 people and injured 35 others. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

On September 19, a bombing at a mosque in the Police Lines area of Kohat killed 23 people, including 15 police personnel. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. The Afghanistan-based group Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan later claimed responsibility for the attack.

In another incident in Hangu district, six security personnel, including a captain and a lieutenant, were killed in an exchange of fire, while eight terrorists were reported killed.

Earlier, on September 1, six security personnel, including two officers, and a customs official were killed when security forces thwarted an attempt to breach the Customs House in Balochistan.

The province has also witnessed deadly attacks in recent months. In July, an ambush in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat killed at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, according to official accounts. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel.

Security forces have continued operations across affected areas as authorities seek to contain militant violence and prevent further attacks.