Security forces have killed 33 terrorists in separate counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan since September 21, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations targeted Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan.
The ISPR said five “India-sponsored terrorists” were killed on September 24 during an operation in Balochistan after security forces located and raided additional militant hideouts. The latest deaths brought the number of terrorists killed in the ongoing Operation Shaban to 22.
Security personnel also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the targeted locations. The clearance operation will continue until the threat in the area is eliminated, the ISPR said.
In a separate intelligence-based operation conducted in Nushki district on September 25, troops engaged a terrorist hideout. Following an intense exchange of fire, 11 terrorists were killed, according to the military’s statement.
The ISPR said counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-i-Istehkam” initiative, approved by the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, would continue with the aim of eliminating what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for the operations and paid tribute to the personnel involved. He described the killing of 33 India-backed terrorists in Balochistan as a significant achievement and praised the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
Zardari said efforts by India-backed militant elements to destabilise Pakistan would be thwarted.
Balochistan has experienced a rise in militant attacks in recent weeks, leading security agencies to step up counter-terrorism operations across the province.
