Six suspected militants killed in Mastung operation

QUETTA: Security forces killed six suspected militants during a targeted operation in the Kirdgab area of Mastung district on Tuesday, according to security officials.

Officials said the operation was launched on the basis of intelligence about the presence of militants described by the state as Fitna al Hindustan, who were trying to block a highway in the area. The term Fitna al Hindustan is used by the state for terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan.

According to the officials, security personnel surrounded the area before beginning the operation. During the action, armed men opened fire on the troops, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The officials said the firefight continued for several hours and ended with six suspected militants being killed, adding that six terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan have been killed in the exchange of fire during the operation,” security officials said.

They added that a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered during the operation.

Officials also said that some militants escaped and fled towards nearby mountains.

Operation launched on intelligence

The officials said the action in Mastung was intelligence-based and was carried out after information was received about the presence of militants in Kirdgab. They said the suspects were attempting to block a highway when security forces moved in and cordoned off the area.

After the area was sealed, the operation began, leading to an exchange of fire between troops and the armed men, the officials said. The clash lasted for hours before the six suspected militants were killed.

The officials further said weapons and ammunition were seized from the site. They did not provide additional details in the report beyond saying that some militants managed to escape into the surrounding mountainous terrain.

The incident took place in Mastung district of Balochistan, where security operations have been carried out in response to militant activity. In this case, officials specifically identified the suspects as belonging to what the state terms Fitna al Hindustan.

No further details were provided in the report regarding the identities of those killed or the quantity of weapons recovered.