Five terrorists killed, 23 hostages rescued in Kalat operation

At least five terrorists were killed, and 23 hostages were safely rescued during an operation by security forces against a militant checkpoint on the N-25 national highway near Kalat in Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Sunday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists affiliated with Fitna Al Hindustan had established a checkpoint on the Chaman-Karachi highway on the night of September 18-19 to abduct people for ransom, extort money and snatch vehicles. The security forces launched a prompt and effective operation after receiving information, triggering an intense exchange of fire. Five terrorists were killed during the operation, while 23 hostages were safely rescued from their hideout, the ISPR said. Six trucks, three buses and two cars were also recovered from the terrorists’ possession, while a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was seized. The ISPR said the timely operation foiled the terrorists’ attempts to disrupt public movement on the national highway and dismantled a network established to carry out criminal and terrorist activities. A clearance and sanitisation operation is underway in Kalat and surrounding areas to eliminate terrorists from the area, the military’s media wing said. It said the operation was aimed at ensuring the security of local residents and key national highways. The ISPR said security forces would continue operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism in the country. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating terrorism, while security measures are being further strengthened to ensure safe movement of the public on national highways, it added.

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