Security forces foil terror attack in Kharan

Balochistan security forces have successfully thwarted a major terrorist attack in Kharaan after uncovering an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) manufacturing factory during an intelligence-based operation.

The operation, conducted by the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan on December 20, led to the seizure of explosives used for preparing IEDs, Express News reported.

A motorcycle rigged with 30 kilograms of explosive material, intended for use in a terrorist attack in the city, was also discovered.

The timely intervention by the FC Balochistan prevented what could have been a devastating attack in the region. The motorcycle bomb, laden with explosives, was meant to be deployed in Kharaan to cause mass destruction.

During the operation, a gunfight broke out between security forces and suspected militants, resulting in two foreign nationals being injured.

The authorities also seized weapons and other materials related to the planned attack.

FC Balochistan’s quick response ensured the failure of the militants’ efforts and safeguarded not only Kharaan but other areas of Balochistan from a potentially catastrophic event.

This success highlights the ongoing efforts of security forces in countering terrorist threats and maintaining peace in the volatile region.

Moreover, last week, security forces neutralised 43 terrorists in various intelligence based operations conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan this week, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said.

It said that 18 terrorists were eliminated in the IBOs in K-P, while 25 were killed in Balochistan. These IBOs, the ISPR said in a statement, caused "a major setback to Fitna-Al- Khwarij & other terrorist groups operating in Balochistan".

The statement said that six terrorists were killed in Lakki Marwat district of K-P, and 10 others in two IBOs in Musakhel and Panjgur districts of Balochistan, overnight and on Friday, raising the number of the terrorists killed in the security forces operations to 43 since December 9.

"Since 9 December 2024, 43 terrorists have been sent to hell by the security forces," the statement said. "On night 12-13 December, security forces conducted an IBO in Lakki Marwat District. Own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly six khwarij were killed," the ISPR stated.

"In Balochistan, on 13 December, the security forces, after an intense fire exchange, successfully neutralized ten terrorists in two separate IBOs conducted in Musa Khel and Panjgur Districts," the media wing of the military added.

"Since 9 December 24, eighteen khwarij have been sent to hell in K-P Province [and] twenty five terrorists have been sent to hell in Balochistan. These operations will continue till peace in the area is restored and khawrij are eliminated," it added.

The ISPR stated that the security forces were determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country. Meanwhile, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the elimination of the terrorists on such a large scale a big success of the security forces.