Four terrorists killed in Hoshab IBO

A cache of arms and ammunition including IEDs was recovered

BALOCHISTAN:

At least four terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Hoshab area on Wednesday.

The operation was initiated to clear a hideout of terrorists who were linked with attacks on security forces and civilians and the planting of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the M-8.

The statement said that as a result of continuous "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) of the area, a location of the terrorists was identified". The statement added that the terrorists opened fire after troops were inserted via helicopters and were establishing blocking positions to cut the escape routes.

"During the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, all four Terrorists have been killed, while a cache of arms and ammunition including IEDs has been recovered."

Earlier this month, 11 terrorists, including a militant commander and two suicide bombers, were killed in an IBO in South Waziristan’s Wana, the military’s media affairs wing had stated.

Read: Four terrorists killed in encounter

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces “successfully foiled a high-profile terrorist activity” during the operation.

“During intense exchange of fire, 11 terrorists, including terrorist commander Hafizullah alias Tor Hafiz and two suicide bombers, were killed,” the ISPR said.

The statement added that a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the killed terrorists.

“The killed terrorists remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and target killing of police in South Waziristan district,” the ISPR said.

The action comes after the National Security Committee (NSC) in its meeting held earlier this month had reiterated its resolve to have "zero tolerance" for terrorism in the country.

While talking to the media, Interior Minister Rana Sanaulla said that "There is no mixed message. There are no 'good' or 'bad' terrorists. Anyone involved in terrorism is a terrorist. There is no question of them being red, white, or black.”