QUETTA: Security forces have killed 48 terrorists in multiple ‘high-tempo’ anti-terror operations across Balochistan over the past three days, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts against Indian proxies, Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
The state uses the term Fitna alKhawarij for the banned Tehreeki-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Balochistan-based groups have been designated as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.
In an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mastung district on Friday, security forces identified the movement of terrorists and engaged them. Six ‘Indiansponsored terrorists’ were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, the ISPR said.
A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was also recovered and destroyed during the operation, it added.
In another IBO in the Shabanarea of Quetta district, security forces identified ‘four khawarij hideouts’. Following an exchange of fire, 26 terrorists were killed, according to the ISPR.
In Kalat district, security forces killed 12 terrorists in an IBO on Sept 2. The operation was conducted after reports of the presence ofterroristsbelongingto the Indian proxy Fitna-al-Hindustan.
They also raided a separate hideout in Kalat district, killing two terrorists in the ensuing firefight, the military said.
Meanwhile, in Bhag town, security forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to raid a local police station.
Two terrorists were killed in the operation, according to the ISPR.
‘In last 48-72 hours, 48 terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna-alHindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij have been neutralised across Balochistan,’ the ISPR said.
Bhag attack foiled Earlier, Balochistan government officials said security forces, along with police and the AntiTerrorist Force (ATF), repulsed a terrorist attack onFridayin Bhag town of Kachhi district, preventing the armed men from looting a bank and setting the police station on fire.
They added that two policemen were among five people injured in firing by the terrorists. The injured were shifted to the district hospital for treatment.
Shahid Rind, the chief minister’s aide for political and media affairs, said in a post on X that about 40 terrorists attacked the three places using ‘heavy weapons, rocket launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and hand grenades’.
Mr Rind added that the terrorists failed to take control of the Bhag police station or seize weapons from the facility.
He highlighted that security forces, accompanied by police and the ATF, ‘bravely confronted the terrorists for nearly two hours’, inflicting heavy casualties and material loss on the attackers, who were ‘forced to retreat’.
The CM’s aide noted that the strong protective wall of the police station played a crucial role in the defensive action.
Mr Rind further said that the terrorists failed to loot cash from the National Bank of Pakistan, while a special branch of the Bomb Disposal Unit defused an IED planted by the terrorists in the facility.
Two policemen were injured by the terrorists’ firing, while three citizens were also hurt, Mr Rind said, addingthat medical aid was being provided to all of them.
Forces lauded President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for their successful IBOs against terrorists across Balochistan.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister appreciated the professional capabilities and determination of the security forces in eliminating terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
‘The killing of more than 1,188 terrorists in Balochistan this year alone is evidence of the threats facing Pakistan and the readiness of the security forces, President Zardari said in the statement.
PM Shehbaz praised the professional commitment of the Pakistan Army and security forces for thwarting the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. He said the security forces, which were foiling the nefarious designs of anti-state elements, were a source of pride for the entire nation.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also paid tribute to the officers and other personnel of the security forces, police, and ATF who took part in the successful operations.
He said the timely and effective operations reflected the state’s firm resolve to counter elements seeking to disrupt peace in Balochistan.