17 terrorists killed, eight arrested in K-P, Balochistan

Security forces killed 17 terrorists during separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and intelligence sources said on Sunday.

In a statement, the military’s media wing said nine India-backed terrorists were killed and eight others apprehended during a joint intelligence-based operation in Malakand district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) from July 16 to 20.

The statement added that the operation was carried out by security forces in coordination with the Police, Levies, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the District Administration, following reports of the presence of terrorists affiliated with the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khwarij.

“During the conduct of the operation, which spanned four days, troops effectively surrounded and engaged the terrorists' location. After intense exchanges of fire, nine Indian-sponsored Khwarij were killed, while eight were taken into custody,” the statement read.

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ISPR added that two hideouts used by the militants were destroyed, and a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered during the operation.

Locals in the area expressed appreciation for the successful operation and reiterated their support for the state’s counterterrorism efforts.

“Sanitisation operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats in the area,” the statement added. The ISPR reaffirmed that security forces and law enforcement agencies, with the full backing of the nation, remain committed to eradicating the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistani security forces killed eight terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan province.

Security forces killed four terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in the Pahrod area of Balochistan province on Saturday night, intelligence sources said on Sunday.

The operation targeted operatives of a group identified by authorities as “Fitna-e-Hindustan”, which has been connected to a series of recent attacks in the province.

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Security forces launched the raid after confirming movement of terrorists in the area, they said.

Weapons and a flag belonging to the group were seized from the terrorists during the raid. A clearance operation is ongoing to secure the region.

“Terrorists and facilitators of Fitna-e-Hindustan will be made an example,” said intelligence sources, referring to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

Seperately, four terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation conducted by Pakistani security forces in Kalat district of Balochistan on the night between July 19 and 20, the military said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched after confirmed reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan. Security personnel engaged the terrorists hideout, and after an intense exchange of fire, four armed fighters were killed.

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A cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered during the raid. A sanitisation operation is still underway to clear the area of any remaining threats, ISPR added.

The military reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country and vowed to bring all perpetrators of violence to justice.

Earlier, in Kalat district, at least three passengers were killed and seven injured after a passenger coach travelling from Karachi to Quetta came under fire near Niemurgh Cross.

In another attack Terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan abducted and executed nine passengers after removing them from buses in Loralai district.