Six terrorists killed in Panjgur operation

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed six terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted during the night of June 3 and 4 after intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists linked to Fitna al Hindustan, a term used by the state for terrorist groups allegedly backed by India and operating in Balochistan.

The ISPR said security personnel effectively engaged multiple terrorist hideouts during the operation. Following an intense exchange of fire, six terrorists were killed.

A cache of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a vehicle were recovered from the slain militants. The military stated that the terrorists had been involved in numerous acts of terrorism in the region.

The ISPR added that sanitisation operations were continuing in the area to eliminate any remaining militants and ensure the complete clearance of terrorist elements.

“The counterterrorism campaign by security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for successfully carrying out the operation. In a statement, he described the elimination of the six terrorists as an important step toward restoring peace and stability in the country.

The president said that Fitna al Hindustan and its facilitators would not succeed in disrupting Pakistan’s security and national cohesion.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for the successful operation and reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.

The latest operation comes days after security forces killed 17 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations across Balochistan following the suicide attack on a train in Quetta. Those operations were conducted in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech.