Eight militants killed in Balochistan operations, two soldiers martyred

Security forces killed eight militants, including a suicide bomber, in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan and lost two soldiers to an attack on a patrol, the military's Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The operations have run since 13 November in Quetta, Kolpur, Kurdgap and Noshki, according to ISPR. Forces are also patrolling the Quetta-Taftan national highway, N-40, to keep it safe for local traffic and to hold the area.

ISPR said the eight were killed in a night operation in Kolpur and that a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from them. It described the dead as members of Fitna al-Hindustan, a group it says operates with Indian backing.

On 14 November, ISPR said, militants targeted patrolling vehicles with armed quadcopters. Major Umar Minhas Naseer, from Chakwal district, and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan, from Kotli Satian, were killed.

The army's media wing said the attacks will not shake the forces' resolve and that clearance operations will continue in the affected areas until the threat is removed. It said the militants have the support of India and other hostile intelligence agencies, use drones, explosives and new technology, and receive money and equipment from India. It said operations would go on under Azm-e-Istehkam, the course approved by the federal apex committee under the National Action Plan.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the operation and for killing the eight militants, and paid tribute to Major Umar Minhas Naseer and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan. He offered condolences to their families and said the sacrifices of officers and soldiers in the fight against foreign-sponsored militancy are a source of pride for the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the forces over the operations in Kolpur, Kurdgap and Noshki and paid tribute to the two soldiers, who were on routine patrol on the N-40 when they were killed. He said the nation salutes the sacrifices of its martyrs, prayed for patience for the bereaved families, and said the enemy is trying to sabotage peace in the region by targeting civilians and security personnel. Operations will continue in full strength until foreign-sponsored militancy ends, he said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the two soldiers and expressed sympathy with their families, saying every drop of the martyrs' blood guarantees the country's protection. He praised the forces for killing the eight militants.

In a separate statement, ISPR said 16 militants were killed in intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan. Twelve, including two Afghan nationals, were killed in Ali Khel, and four more in Mir Ali and Datta Khel, with weapons and ammunition recovered. Havildar Ismat Ali, from Swabi, and Naik Aftab Ali, from Mardan, were killed in the exchange of fire.