RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 17 suspected militants during a series of intelligence-based operations in different districts of Balochistan following the May 24 train incident.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech districts, where security forces targeted suspected militant hideouts.
The troops engaged several militant locations during the operations, leading to intense exchanges of fire. As a result, 17 militants allegedly linked to what the military described as the Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, explosives and a large number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the slain militants, who were accused of involvement in various terrorist activities in the region.
The military said sanitization operations are continuing to clear the affected areas and locate any remaining militants.
It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue counterterrorism operations under the "Azm-e-Istehkam" strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, with the aim of eliminating militancy and foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
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Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari commended security forces for what he described as successful operations against militants in Balochistan.
The president praised security personnel for carrying out effective operations in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech districts, which according to official statements resulted in the killing of 17 militants.
Zardari said eliminating terrorism backed by foreign elements remains a top national priority and reaffirmed support for ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
He added that hostile designs of militant groups and their facilitators would not succeed, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining peace and security across the country.
The president also paid tribute to the security forces for their role in combating militancy and safeguarding national stability.
