Over 70 terrorists killed in Balochistan

President, PM pay tribute to security forces for successful operations

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces have killed more than 71 terrorists in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan over the past 96 hours, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.

According to the military's media wing, 23 of the terrorists were killed during the last 72 hours. It said security forces had cleared a vast area and relieved local communities of the threat posed by terrorists.

"As the Army's operation progresses, more than 71 terrorists have been killed so far in Operation Shaban and other areas of Balochistan in the last 96 hours, delivering a serious blow to Indian-backed Afghan proxies," the ISPR said.

Operation Shaban was launched following credible intelligence about multiple hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists in the general area of Shaban in Quetta district, which posed a threat to the local population.

The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, while Fitna al-Hindustan refers to banned outfits sponsored by India in Balochistan.

"Security forces launched a swift operation in Ziarat and surrounding areas on September 21. During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists and cleared multiple hideouts. Following intense exchanges of fire, 33 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed, while a significant quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered," the ISPR said.

According to the ISPR, the operation was further intensified over the past 72 hours, resulting in the killing of 23 terrorists. Security forces cleared a vast area and relieved local communities of the threat posed by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. "The clearance operation is continuing until complete neutralisation of the threat," it said.

In a separate IBO in Nushki district on September 25, security forces engaged a terrorist hideout and killed 11 Indian-sponsored terrorists. In another operation in Mand, six Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists were killed, while a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered, the ISPR said.

The ISPR also said the involvement of the Afghan Taliban regime in terrorist activities in Pakistan, backed and sponsored by India, continued to cause loss of precious lives and threaten peace and stability.

"The counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve," it said. "Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies remain committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the ISPR added.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations in Balochistan. In separate statements, they said the killing of more than 71 terrorists in different areas of the province demonstrated the professionalism and bravery of the security forces.

Zardari said the operations would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism fuelled by foreign patronage and support. Shehbaz said Pakistan was determined to completely eliminate terrorism being carried out on its soil with foreign patronage and support.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for successful operations against terrorists linked to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij in different areas of Balochistan. He commended the forces for eliminating multiple terrorists and acknowledged their professional capabilities.

Naqvi said the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the effort to eliminate terrorism, adding that public support remained important in the ongoing campaign against terrorist groups. He said the campaign would move forward with determination and action against such elements would continue.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)