Security forces killed 22 more terrorists during ongoing security sweeps in Balochistan, taking the total number of terrorists killed over the past 48 hours to 177, security officials said on Monday.
The latest deaths occurred overnight as forces continued operations across the province following large-scale coordinated attacks carried out on Saturday. Officials said security operations were ongoing and that the “noose is tightening” around remaining militants.
According to the military’s media wing, terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan carried out multiple attacks across Balochistan on Saturday. In response, security forces launched counterterrorism operations and killed more than 150 terrorists over the two-day period.
The state has designated Balochistan-based militant groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan, citing India’s alleged involvement in terrorism and efforts to destabilise Pakistan.Meanwhile, mobile internet services remained suspended across several parts of Balochistan for the third consecutive day, causing difficulties for residents. Services were suspended in Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan and other cities on Saturday.
Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat said mobile internet services would remain suspended on Monday but were expected to be restored on Tuesday. He said the suspension was linked to security concerns.This marked another instance of internet shutdowns in the province. In November, mobile internet services were suspended in all 36 districts of Balochistan for about a week due to security reasons.
During the early hours of Saturday, multiple terrorist cells attacked more than 10 cities and towns across the province. The attacks primarily targeted security forces and government installations.Officials said suicide bombers, including female attackers, were part of the assault. Security forces engaged the attackers in gun battles at multiple locations.
Fifteen security personnel were martyred during the clashes, while 18 civilians lost their lives. Following the attacks, security forces launched cordon-and-sweep operations in towns, cities and surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorist presence.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government was determined to eradicate terrorism from the province. Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said peace had been restored in Balochistan and security forces were now engaged in mopping-up operations.