Five terrorists killed, four injured in Balochistan IBO: state media

Security forces killed five terrorists and injured four others during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against Fitna al-Hindustan in Washuk district of Balochistan, state media reported on Wednesday, citing security sources.

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.

According to the post on X, sources said security forces continued operations against Fitna al-Hindustan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 in Balochistan.

“Advanced weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation, and security forces remained determined to eliminate terrorism from Balochistan,” it added.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operation against terrorists in Washuk. “Effective operations against terrorist elements seeking to disrupt peace and security in Balochistan and spread fear among the people will continue,” he added.

“Conspiracies by terrorists’ foreign sponsors and their local facilitators will be foiled at all costs,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operation against Fitna al-Hindustan in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) statement said.

He commended the security forces for killing five terrorists during an operation in the Palantak area of Washuk district.

PM Shehbaz said modern weapons and ammunition had also been recovered from the terrorists during the operation, reflecting the gravity of the challenges being faced, and further added that the ongoing successful operations by the security forces demonstrated the nation’s unwavering resolve against terrorists.

He said the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism guaranteed the country’s peace and security. adding that the officers and personnel of the security forces and law enforcement agencies were making invaluable sacrifices for national security.

“The entire nation paid tribute to the security forces for their sacrifices and outstanding performance. The courage, professional expertise and strategy of the security forces enabled them to effectively thwart the terrorists’ designs,” he added.

He said that operations by the security forces would continue with full force and complete national support until terrorism was completely eliminated from the country.

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

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the resolve and professional capabilities of the security forces for killing five terrorists during the operation. “We are proud of the brave personnel of the security forces who foiled the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists,” Naqvi said.

“The operations conducted by the security forces reflect their resolve to safeguard national security and paid tribute to the brave sons of the soil who participated in the operation,” the interior minister added.

“The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

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.