Security forces kill 17 terrorists in Balochistan IBOs

QUETTA: Security forces killed 17 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations across multiple districts of Balochistan in the aftermath of the May 24 bombing of a passenger train in Quetta, according to the military’s media wing.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations were carried out in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Ketch as part of an intensified counterterrorism response. It said troops engaged several militant hideouts during the campaign.

Referring to those killed, the military said they were linked to Fitna al-Hindustan and described them as Indian-sponsored militants. The ISPR said weapons, ammunition, explosives and prepared improvised explosive devices were recovered during the operations. It added that those killed had been involved in multiple terrorism-related activities in the province.

The military said sanitisation operations were continuing in the affected districts to clear any remaining militants. It also said the armed forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to pursuing counterterrorism efforts under Azm-e-Istehkam, the campaign approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan to eliminate foreign-sponsored militancy and restore lasting peace.

"Following intense and fierce exchanges of fire, seventeen terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan have been sent to hell. The relentless counterterrorism campaign will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from Pakistan," the ISPR said in its statement.

May 24 train attack

The latest operations followed the bombing of a passenger shuttle train near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on May 24. At least 14 people were killed in the attack, including three Frontier Corps personnel, while 20 others were injured.

Officials said the blast took place shortly after 8am as the train was travelling from Quetta Cantonment Railway Station to the city railway station. The explosion caused extensive damage to train compartments, nearby vehicles and surrounding houses. Women and children were among the injured, many of whom were taken to hospitals in emergency conditions.

In an official statement, the Balochistan Home Department said a vehicle-borne suicide bomber had targeted the shuttle train service near Chaman Phatak. AFP reported that the banned Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing as a cowardly act of terrorism and said such attacks would not weaken the resolve of the Pakistani people.