QUETTA/RAWALPINDI (MNN); Security forces killed 11 terrorists and recovered around 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Washuk districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted on September 6 in Kharan and September 7 in Washuk following reports about the presence of terrorists affiliated with the group described by the state as Fitna al-Hindustan.
In Kharan, terrorists reportedly attempted to establish a roadblock and disrupt traffic. Security forces responded immediately, engaging the militants and killing eight of them, ISPR said.
A separate, planned operation was carried out in Washuk after intelligence indicated the presence of terrorists in the area. During the operation, troops located and destroyed a militant hideout following an intense exchange of fire, killing three terrorists.
Security forces also recovered approximately 2.9 tonnes of explosives allegedly intended for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Sanitisation operations were continuing in the areas to ensure that no other militants remained, ISPR said.
The military reiterated that security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, with the objective of eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operations and the recovery of explosives.
President Zardari said the alleged designs of terrorists operating with foreign backing would be defeated, adding that operations against the network would continue until its complete elimination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the forces for preventing the attempted road blockade in Kharan and for destroying the terrorist hideout in Washuk. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue operations against terrorist elements.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces, describing their actions as a demonstration of professionalism and determination. He said the nation stood behind the security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Balochistan sees surge in militant violence
Balochistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist activity in recent weeks, prompting intensified security operations.
On the night of August 31-September 1, TTP militants attacked the Customs House near Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway in Pishin. Security forces killed 10 terrorists, while six people, including two security personnel, were martyred in the exchange of fire.
On August 31, 11 terrorists were also killed after militants allegedly established an illegal checkpoint in Chagai’s Nokcha area to extort motorists and block the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway.
On September 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat.
The ISPR on September 4 reported that another 36 terrorists had been killed during multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi, including an operation that foiled an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.
According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Balochistan remained the most severely affected province in August, with terrorist attacks rising from 83 in July to 89 in August.
Two Pakistan Navy personnel martyred
Separately, two Pakistan Navy personnel were martyred while performing maritime patrol duties, the Navy’s Directorate-General of Public Relations said.
The Navy identified the sailors as Shoaibur Rehman (PMA-IV) and Ghufran Nasar (PMT-II), saying they embraced martyrdom while carrying out patrol duties to ensure maritime security.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf expressed grief over the deaths. Senior naval officials attended the funeral prayers and met the families of the fallen personnel.
The Pakistan Navy launched Operation Muhafizul Bahr in March to address multidimensional threats to national shipping and maritime trade amid the changing regional maritime security environment.
With around 90 per cent of Pakistan’s trade transported by sea, the operation is aimed at protecting vital maritime routes and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping.
