CTD kills 10 India-backed terrorists in Balochistan's Barkhan

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed 10 terrorists belonging to Fitna Al-Hindustan during an effective operation in Barkhan district of Balochistan, Adviser to the Chief Minister of Balochistan for Information and Political Affairs Shahid Rind said on Saturday.

The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through the outfits.

During the press briefing, Rind confirmed the incident and said that the CTD initiated the targeted strike in the Rara Sham area after receiving precise, action-oriented intelligence regarding terrorists' movements.

​"A fierce exchange of fire broke out as security teams closed in on the hideout, resulting in the elimination of all ten terrorists. Law enforcement agencies subsequently recovered a large quantity of heavy weaponry, military-grade arms, and live ammunition from the location," he added.

Rind further said that two CTD personnel sustained injuries in the line of duty during the operation and are receiving prompt medical treatment.

​Reaffirming the provincial administration's unwavering stance against violence, Rind stated that security forces, police, and CTD personnel remain firmly united to eradicate terrorist elements completely, adding that such targeted operations will persist until the threat of terrorism is entirely wiped out from Balochistan.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised Balochistan CTD for a successful operation against Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists in Barkhan. He commended the professional capabilities of Balochistan’s CTD for killing 10 terrorists.

“Balochistan CTD thwarted the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists by carrying out a timely operation,” Naqvi said. “All institutions are committed to maintaining peace in Balochistan,” he added.

Read: 49 terrorists killed in Balochistan, K-P IBOs

Naqvi said that we are proud of the brave personnel of Balochistan CTD. “With the support of the nation, enemies of peace are being eliminated,” he said.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the two personnel injured during the operation.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity over the past three months, with a series of attacks across the country resulting in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians.

Last week, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the attack.

On September 19, 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in a blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, the Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.

In a separate incident, a captain and a lieutenant were among six security personnel martyred in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, while eight terrorists were killed.

On September 1, six personnel, including two officers, and a customs department official were martyred as security forces thwarted an attempt to breach the Customs House in Balochistan.

Read more: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P's Hangu

In July, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault.