ISLAMABAD: Security forces have intensified their counterterrorism offensive in Balochistan, eliminating four more terrorists during ongoing operations under Operation Shaaban, bringing the total number of militants killed in the campaign to 83.
The joint operation, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and police, is continuing across the province as security forces conduct intelligence-based, aerial and ground operations against terrorist networks.
Operation Shaaban was launched following the deadly terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam area of Ziarat on July 7, where 27 police personnel were martyred.
Security sources said that since July 5, a total of 121 militants have been killed during Operation Shaaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across different areas of Balochistan.
The sources reiterated that security forces will continue operations until the last terrorist is eliminated.
According to security sources, forces are targeting members of Fitna al-Khawarij through coordinated aerial and ground actions in several parts of the province.
The latest operations resulted in the elimination of four more militants, while a large quantity of weapons and equipment was recovered from their possession.
The recovered items included M4 rifles, submachine guns, rocket launchers, mobile phones and other military equipment, sources added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Pakistan Army, FC Balochistan and police for their effective operations against terrorist groups, appreciating the forces for conducting successful aerial and ground actions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership had taken a joint decision to eliminate terrorism, stressing that operations against militant organizations would continue.
The ongoing operation comes amid an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces have faced repeated attacks in recent years.
Earlier, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said India-backed terrorists had targeted a security checkpoint in Balochistan, where security personnel responded effectively and eliminated several militants during the initial engagement.
The attack resulted in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians, while militants also took police personnel hostage before security forces reached the area.
Pakistan has repeatedly stated that terrorist groups operating from across the border remain a major security threat and has continued operations to eliminate militant hideouts and restore peace in affected regions.
