Security forces have killed 48 militants during a series of intensified counterterrorism operations across Balochistan over the past three days, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said on Friday that the operations were conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi against militants it described as belonging to “Fitna al-Hindustan” and “Fitna al-Khawarij”.
The state uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Balochistan-based militant groups have been referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan to underscore what authorities describe as Indian involvement in terrorism and destabilisation in Pakistan.
In Mastung, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation after detecting the movement of suspected militants. An exchange of fire followed, in which six militants described by the ISPR as “Indian-sponsored terrorists” were killed. Security personnel also recovered and destroyed ammunition and improvised explosive devices.
A separate intelligence-based operation was carried out in the Shaban area of Quetta, where security forces located four militant hideouts. The ISPR said 26 militants were killed during the ensuing clashes.
In Kalat, security forces conducted an operation on September 2 following intelligence about the presence of militants linked to Fitna al-Hindustan. Twelve militants were killed. A separate raid on another hideout in the district resulted in the deaths of two more militants.
Meanwhile, security forces also responded to an attack in Bhag town, where militants attempted to target a police station. Two attackers were killed during the operation.
According to the ISPR, a total of 48 militants associated with the two groups were killed across Balochistan during the preceding 48 to 72 hours.
Attack in Bhag Repulsed
Balochistan government officials said security forces, police and the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) jointly repelled an attack in Bhag town of Kachhi district on Friday.
The attackers attempted to target a police station, a bank and the assistant commissioner’s office. Authorities said they were prevented from taking control of the police station, seizing weapons or looting money from the bank.
Shahid Rind, an aide to the Balochistan chief minister on political and media affairs, said around 40 militants were involved in the attack. According to him, they used heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and hand grenades.
Security personnel, police and ATF members confronted the attackers for nearly two hours before forcing them to retreat, he said. The protective wall surrounding the police station was also credited with strengthening the defenders’ position during the assault.
Authorities said the attackers were unable to take cash from the National Bank of Pakistan. A Bomb Disposal Unit team also defused an improvised explosive device allegedly planted inside the facility.
Two police personnel and three civilians were injured in the firing and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
President, PM and Balochistan CM Praise Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the counterterrorism operations carried out across Balochistan.
In separate statements, both leaders commended the professionalism and determination of personnel involved in operations against Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
President Zardari said the killing of more than 1,188 militants in Balochistan during the current year demonstrated both the scale of the security threat facing the country and the preparedness of its security forces.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Pakistan Army and other security forces for countering what he described as the designs of anti-state elements. He said their efforts to protect the country were a source of pride for the nation.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also paid tribute to members of the security forces, police and ATF who participated in the operations. He said the response demonstrated the state’s determination to confront groups attempting to disturb peace in the province.
