Five terrorists neutralised in Op Shaban

QUETTA:

Operation Shaban, the joint operation launched by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and the Police in Balochistan, entered its eighth day on Monday, as security forces killed five more khawarij terrorists, security sources said on Monday.

The Joint Operation Shaban was launched after a terrorist attack on Mangi Dam Police Station on July 5. The sources said the total number of terrorists killed during the operation has risen to 76, adding that 38 more terrorists were killed in other intelligence-bases operations (IBOs) in the province since July 5.

"Since July 5, security forces have killed a total of 114 Kharji terrorists [a term used for foreign funded terrorists] In Operation Shaban and other (IBOs), a sources said. "The operation will continue till elimination of last terrorist."

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for the successful Operation Shaban, praising their professionalism and resolve in the ongoing counterterrorism operations. He also praised the security forces for carrying out effective ground and aerial operations against terrorist elements.

The campaign against Fitna al-Hindustan – a term used for the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliates – would continue until the complete elimination of the group's terrorists from Pakistan, the said in a statement.

"Those seeking to undermine peace in Balochistan are being brought to justice," he said. "The entire nation stands firmly alongside the country's security forces in the fight against terrorism," he added. "Those responsible for shedding innocent blood in Balochistan deserve no leniency."

Naqvi stressed that the killing of 114 terrorists in Operation Shaban and other IBOs reflected the high level of preparedness, professionalism, and operational readiness of the security forces. He reiterated the government's commitment to restoring peace and stability in the province.

(with additional input from APP)