Twin Balochistan Operations Leave Eight Militants Dead
News Desk/APP
Islamabad: Security forces killed eight militants during two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Mastung districts, the military’s media wing said on Saturday, as Pakistan continued its counterterrorism campaign under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation was conducted on June 25 in Kharan district after intelligence reports indicated the movement of a group of militants. During the operation, security forces engaged the suspects, killing three militants, while several others were injured.
In a separate intelligence-based operation on June 26 in Mastung district, security forces acted on information regarding the possible presence of a suicide bomber. Following an intense exchange of fire, five militants, including the suspected suicide bomber, were killed.
The ISPR said security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and motorcycles allegedly used by the militants during the operations.
The military said sanitisation operations were underway to clear the areas of any remaining militants, adding that the country’s counterterrorism campaign under the National Action Plan’s Azm-e-Istehkam strategy would continue until the threat of militancy is eliminated.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for successfully carrying out the operations, saying the elimination of eight militants reflected the professionalism, courage and determination of the armed forces.
He commended the officers and personnel involved in the operations for their sacrifices and reiterated that counterterrorism operations should continue until terrorism and its external support are completely eradicated from the country.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the Ministry of Interior, security institutions and law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace and ensuring comprehensive security arrangements during Ashura processions and religious gatherings across the country.
The prime minister particularly appreciated Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, provincial governments, the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Pakistan Armed Forces, police and other law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the peaceful observance of Ashura.
“By the grace of Allah Almighty, all Ashura-related activities concluded smoothly in an atmosphere of peace and order throughout the country,” the prime minister said, praising the collective efforts that helped maintain law and order during the religious occasion.
