QUETTA: Operation Shaban has dealt another blow to militant networks in Balochistan, as security forces killed three more terrorists, pushing the number of militants eliminated in the operation to 88.
The joint operation, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police, was launched following the deadly attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat.
According to security sources, Operation Shaban includes coordinated aerial and ground operations targeting militant hideouts across Balochistan.
They said security forces successfully carried out strikes against militant positions and recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition from the killed militants.
The recovered items included submachine guns, rocket launchers, mobile phones, and other equipment, according to sources.
Security sources said a total of 126 militants have been killed during Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations conducted across Balochistan since July 5.
They added that the operation would continue across the province until the “last terrorist” is eliminated.
A day earlier, security forces had killed six more militants during operations in Balochistan.
The ongoing operation follows a series of deadly terrorist attacks in Balochistan earlier this month, in which at least 42 people, including security personnel and civilians, were martyred.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), militants attacked the Mangi checkpoint in Ziarat, where police personnel fought back and killed several attackers during the initial engagement.
Nine police personnel embraced martyrdom in the attack, while militants also took some personnel hostage before security forces reached the area and launched a rescue and clearance operation.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, since 2021.
In response, security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations against militant networks and their hideouts.
Authorities have reiterated that operations will continue until militant groups are eliminated and lasting peace is restored in the affected regions.
