Military’s media wing says two suicide bombers were also among those killed during 3-day operation. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: The army on Thursday said security forces have prevented Da’ish from establishing a foothold in Pakistan after they conducted a successful operation in Mastung district of Balochistan.
The military’s media wing released details of the three-day operation in Mastung targeting banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi (LeJA) terrorists hiding in caves near Isplingi (Koh-e-Siah/Koh-e-Maran) 36 kilometres south-east of Mastung.
“The successful operation by security forces in Mastung denied establishment of any direct/indirect ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] organised infrastructure in Balochistan/Pakistan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Based on actionable intelligence, security forces conducted an operation in Mastung from June 1-3.
Intelligence-driven op: 12 hardcore terrorists killed in Mastung cave
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There were reports of 10-15 terrorists of a banned outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi (LeJA) hiding in caves near Isplingi (Koh-e-Siah/Koh-e-Maran) 36 kilometres south-east of Mastung.
According to the ISPR, the said organisation was reportedly making efforts for communication with ISIS, also known by its Arabic acronym Da’ish, and intended to facilitate establishment of ISIS foothold in Balochistan.
The operation for physical clearance of the target area, spread over 10 kilometres, started early morning June 1 by landing of heliborne force.
Suicide blast targeting Maulana Haideri kills 25
The operation continued for three days. The terrorists who were hiding in caves offered stiff resistance. “Two hundred and fifty meters’ long gorge with steep heights and multiple caves made the clearance operation difficult and challenging. Intelligence and security forces personnel fought valiantly to clear the hideout by June 3.”
During the exchange of fire, 12 hardcore terrorists, including two suicide bombers, were killed. The suicide bomber used against Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri on May 12 was also sent by this group from the same hideout.
During the operation, five security forces personnel, including two officers, were injured. Security forces also destroyed an IED-making facility inside the cave and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition which included 50 kilos of explosive, three suicide jackets, 18 grenades, six rocket launchers, four light machine guns, 18 small machine guns, four sniper rifles, 38 communication sets and huge ammunition of various types.
The army said the successful operation by security forces besides denying establishing of any direct/indirect ISIS organised infrastructure in Balochistan/Pakistan, also foiled terrorist incidents in Pakistan
Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa appreciated effort of Southern Command, intelligence agencies and the troops for this successful operation.
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