Security forces kill 33 militants in Balochistan operation

Security forces killed 12 militants in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan on Friday, bringing the number of militants killed in the province since September 21 to 33, the military's media wing said.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said troops conducted an operation in Nushki district on information about the presence of terrorists at a hideout. An intense exchange of fire followed, and 11 militants were killed. A second operation in the Mazan Band Range of Kech district killed one militant as he attempted to cross into Iran, the military said. Security sources told The Express Tribune that the Kech operation stopped members of the group the military calls Fitna al-Hindustan from fleeing to Iran.

On Thursday, security forces struck hideouts and killed five militants of what the ISPR describes as Indian-backed Fitna al-Khwarij, a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and its affiliates. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the hideouts. Business Recorder reported that the campaign is being conducted under the name Operation Shaban, and said Thursday's operation killed five and brought the number killed under that operation to 22.

The military's media wing said the operation was part of a comprehensive counterterrorism operation against what it called Indian-backed groups. The ISPR said clearance operations will continue until the threat from the area is completely neutralised. It added that the "relentless counter terrorism campaign under vision Azm-e-Istehkam" will continue at full pace to wipe out foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for their bravery and professional competence. He described the elimination of 33 Indian-backed Khawarij and terrorists in Balochistan as a commendable achievement, and said the recovery of weapons, ammunition and explosives was proof of effective operations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the professional capabilities of the security forces, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. He said operations by the security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue with full force until terrorism is completely eliminated. The complete eradication of foreign-sponsored terrorism, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, is the government's top priority, he said.