Pakistan’s security forces have killed 15 terrorists during separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said one operation was carried out in the Harnai District after reports of the presence of terrorists linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the state refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij. Twelve terrorists were killed following what the statement described as an intense exchange of fire.
In a separate IBO in Basima District, security forces killed three militants described by the military as “Fitna al-Hindustan” operatives, bringing the total number of those killed in the operations to 15.
Weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists, who the ISPR said had been involved in multiple attacks.
The military said follow-up “sanitisation operations” were under way in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists, adding that the country’s counterterrorism campaign under the initiative “Azm-e-Istehkam” would continue to target what it described as foreign-sponsored militancy.
Leaders praise security forces
Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the operations.
In a statement, President Zardari said the successful operations demonstrated the professionalism and determination of the armed forces, adding that eliminating foreign-backed terrorism remained a national priority.
Prime Minister Sharif said security forces were making significant progress in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country.
Rising tensions along Afghan border
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Amid increasing violence, Pakistan launched a military campaign known as “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq”, targeting terrorist groups operating along the border.
According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the operation has resulted in the deaths of more than 500 Afghan Taliban fighters, while hundreds more were injured and dozens of militant posts and military assets destroyed.
Security officials have also said Pakistan carried out air strikes on militant hideouts in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Province, Paktika Province and Khost Province, targeting groups including Fitna al-Khawarij and affiliates of Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-K).