ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed 18 terrorists affiliated with the India-backed group Fitna al Hindustan, a term used by Islamabad for the banned Balochistan Liberation Army, in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were carried out on October 28 and 29 in Quetta and Kech districts following reports of terrorists' presence.
In the first operation in the Chiltan Mountains area of Quetta district, security forces engaged the terrorists’ location, killing 14 after an intense exchange of fire. In another IBO in the Buleda area of Kech district, four more terrorists were neutralized.
The ISPR said that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the killed terrorists, who had been involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.
Sanitization operations are underway to ensure no remaining terrorists remain in the area.
The statement added that the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full determination to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
PM lauds successful counterterrorism operation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful operations and paid tribute to their bravery and resolve.
“The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with our security forces in the war against terrorism,” the Prime Minister said. “We salute their courage and unwavering commitment to protect the homeland.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, adding: “We are determined to root out terrorism completely from our soil.”
