Security forces kill 48 terrorists in Balochistan operations

Security forces have killed 48 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations across Balochistan over the past 48 to 72 hours, the military’s media wing said on Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts as part of a counterterrorism campaign against Indian proxies, Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khwarij. In Mastung on September 4, security forces identified and engaged the movement of terrorists during an intelligence-based operation, resulting in the killing of six militants after an intense exchange of fire, ISPR said. A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was also destroyed at the site, it added. In another operation in the Shaban area of Quetta district, troops identified four militant hideouts. An ensuing exchange of fire resulted in the killing of 26 terrorists, according to the ISPR. Two more Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat, where security forces raided a militant hideout, the military said. In Bhag area of Sibi district, security forces, in coordination with local residents, foiled an attempted attack on a police station. Two terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, ISPR said. The latest operations bring the number of terrorists killed across Balochistan to 48 over the past 48 to 72 hours, according to the military. The ISPR said sanitisation operations were under way to eliminate any other militants found in the areas. It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism. The latest statement follows an earlier ISPR announcement that 12 terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Kalat on September 2. According to the military, the operation was conducted after intelligence indicated the presence of militants affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan. Security forces destroyed their hideout and a large quantity of weapons and IEDs during the operation. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had paid tribute to the security forces following the Kalat operation and expressed their resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country. The latest operations come amid intensified counterterrorism activity in Balochistan, where security forces have continued operations against militant groups in recent days.

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