RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces have killed at least 73 militants in a series of operations conducted across the country over the past 96 hours, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a detailed statement, the military’s media wing said the operations targeted militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hind, describing the reported involvement of the Afghan Taliban government in terrorist activities as a serious threat to regional peace.
According to ISPR, intelligence agencies had traced several hideouts of the militants in the Shaban area of Quetta. A major operation was launched in Ziarat and surrounding areas on September 21 following confirmed intelligence reports.
During the operation in Shaban, security forces destroyed several militant hideouts and killed 33 militants in intense exchanges of fire. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered.
ISPR said security operations were subsequently expanded, resulting in the killing of another 23 militants over the following 72 hours, while a large area was cleared of militant presence.
In separate intelligence-based operations on September 25, security forces killed 11 militants in Nushki district and another six militants in the Mand area, according to ISPR. Weapons and other equipment were also recovered.
The military said operations would continue under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework until the threat of terrorism and externally supported militant activity is eliminated.
