Security forces kill 7 terrorists in Balochistan IBOs: state media

Security forces in Balochistan conducted two intelligence-based operations (IBO) that resulted in the deaths of seven terrorists, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan. The first operation took place in the Fateh Ali area of Panjgur district, where five terrorists were killed, along with large quantities of weapons and ammunition.

The second IBO was carried out in the Dhadar area of Kachhi district, resulting in the demise of two additional terrorists. Several others were reportedly injured during the operations. Balochistan has seen a rise in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, which has led security forces to ramp up counter-terrorism efforts. In July, there were 83 terrorist attacks in the province, but this number increased by seven percent to 89 in August, as reported by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

On August 31-September 1, terrorists from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) carried out a coordinated assault on the Customs House in Ziarat Cross, Pishin district. In retaliation, security forces killed 10 terrorists and two officers were among six who were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. On the same day, 11 terrorists from Fitna-al-Hindustan, who had set up an illegal checkpoint for extortion on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway in Chagai’s Nokcha area, were killed in an intense fire exchange.

Later on September 2, security forces eliminated 12 terrorists in the Kalat district during an IBO, and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate operations in Kharan and Washuk districts. Additionally, 36 terrorists were eliminated during multiple "high-tempo" operations conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat, and Sibi districts, including thwarting an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.

On Thursday, seven more terrorists were killed by security forces in an IBO in the Badrang area of Balochistan’s Awaran district.