ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed eight suspected India-backed terrorists during separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kharan and Mastung districts, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
The military’s media wing said the operations were conducted on June 25 and 26 based on actionable intelligence, targeting militants allegedly linked to what it described as the Indian proxy group “Fitna al-Hindustan.” The operations are part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling militant networks operating in the province.
Three Militants Killed in Kharan Operation
According to the ISPR, the first intelligence-based operation was carried out in Kharan district after security agencies tracked the movement of a group of suspected militants.
The statement said security forces swiftly engaged the militants, resulting in the deaths of three suspected terrorists, while several others were reportedly injured during the exchange of fire.
The military stated that the timely operation prevented the militants from carrying out their alleged plans and disrupted their activities in the area.
Five Militants, Including Suspected Suicide Bomber, Neutralised in Mastung
A second intelligence-based operation was conducted in Mastung district on June 26 after security agencies received information regarding the presence of a suspected suicide bomber.
According to the ISPR, troops surrounded the militants’ hideout and, following an intense gun battle, five suspected terrorists, including the alleged suicide bomber, were killed.
Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and motorcycles from the site, the statement added.
Clearance Operations Continue
The military said sanitisation and clearance operations are continuing in both districts to ensure that any remaining militants in the area are located and eliminated.
The ISPR reiterated that counterterrorism operations under Pakistan’s national security framework, Azm-e-Istehkam, will continue with full force to eradicate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Pakistan Criticizes India at UN Security Council Over Terrorism and Human Rights Allegations
President Zardari Praises Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for the successful operations, describing the killings of the suspected militants as a reflection of the forces’ professionalism, courage, and commitment.
He paid tribute to the officers and soldiers involved in the operations and stressed that efforts against foreign-sponsored terrorism should continue until the threat is completely eliminated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Resolve Against Terrorism
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the security forces, saying they had successfully foiled what he described as the militants’ hostile plans against Pakistan.
In a statement, the prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations until their logical conclusion. He added that Pakistan would persist in its fight against terrorism and would not allow enemies of the country’s peace and stability to succeed.
Shehbaz also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security personnel in the ongoing campaign against militancy.
Interior Minister Commends Timely Action
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the professionalism and bravery displayed by the security forces during the intelligence-based operations.
He said the swift response prevented the militants from carrying out their alleged objectives and reaffirmed the government’s full support for the country’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
The operations come as Pakistan continues to conduct intelligence-led counterterrorism actions in various parts of the country under its broader national security strategy aimed at dismantling militant networks and enhancing internal security.
