QUETTA: Security forces have killed 11 terrorists in separate operations in Balochistan’s Panjgur and Chagai districts, according to security sources cited by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
The operations were conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.
In the Gowargo area of Panjgur, security forces killed five terrorists and recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition from their possession, according to Radio Pakistan.
Meanwhile, six terrorists were killed during separate operations in the Aminabad and Siah Chang areas of Chagai district. A significant cache of arms and explosive material was also recovered.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for their successful operations, saying their effective action had once again thwarted the plans of terrorists.
He said the operations demonstrated the security forces’ commitment to protecting national security and maintaining stability in the country.
Terrorist Attacks Rise in Balochistan
Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.
According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist attacks in the province increased by 7 per cent, rising from 83 in July to 89 in August.
In recent weeks, security forces have conducted a series of operations across the province.
On the night of August 31 and September 1, terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway in Pishin district. According to the military’s media wing, 10 terrorists were killed during the ensuing operation, while six security personnel, including two officers, were martyred.
On August 31, 11 terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan were also killed in Chagai’s Nokcha area after an exchange of fire. The militants had allegedly established an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway.
On September 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district.
Days later, 11 more terrorists were killed and 2.9 tonnes of explosives recovered during separate intelligence-based operations in Kharan and Washuk districts.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), another 36 terrorists were killed during multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts on September 4. The operations also foiled an attempted attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.
On Thursday, seven terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Badrang area of Awaran district.
On Friday, security forces killed another seven terrorists during two intelligence-based operations in Panjgur and Kachhi districts.
The latest operations bring the number of militants reported killed in recent counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan to dozens, as security forces continue operations against militant groups operating in the province.
