RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 14 alleged Indian-backed militants in a series of intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the latest action was carried out on December 5 in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti district following reports of the presence of members of Fitna al-Hindustan, described as an Indian proxy group.
Troops engaged the suspects’ hideout, triggering a heavy exchange of fire in which five militants were killed. The ISPR said weapons, ammunition, and explosives were seized from the site, adding that the group was linked to multiple terror attacks in the region.
Sanitisation operations are under way to clear the area of any remaining “foreign-sponsored terrorists” as part of the ongoing counterterrorism drive under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the statement added.
“Security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue to operate at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from Pakistan,” the ISPR said.
Earlier the same day, security forces killed nine militants in two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The first raid was conducted in Tank district after intelligence reports indicated the presence of individuals affiliated with what the ISPR termed the “Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij.” Seven suspects were killed following an intense exchange of fire.
In a second operation in Lakki Marwat district, troops came under fire while approaching another suspected hideout. They returned fire, killing two militants.
Arms and ammunition were recovered from all those killed. The ISPR said the individuals were involved in attacks on security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and in targeted killings of civilians.
