19 militants killed in separate Balochistan operations

On Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that 19 terrorists were killed and one soldier sacrificed their life in multiple operations across Balochistan. Intelligence agencies had warned of the presence of hideouts belonging to Indian-sponsored terrorist groups, specifically Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan-based groups, posing threats to the local population.

These groups were labeled as Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan by Pakistani authorities to emphasize India's involvement in terrorism and instability in the region.

In response to the threat, security forces initiated a clearance operation in the Shaban area of Quetta district since September 21, effectively neutralizing several terrorist hideouts. During the operation, 13 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed following an intense exchange of fire. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the cleared hideouts. The clearance operation is expected to continue until the complete neutralization of the threat in the area.

Additionally, security forces conducted pre-emptive intelligence-based operations in Kech and Quetta West on September 22 and 23, resulting in the killing of six more terrorists and the recovery of weapons and ammunition. 39-year-old Subedar Muhammad Jamil lost his life during the exchange of fire while serving in the security forces.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their successful operations, noting that eliminating the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism was a testament to their professionalism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the security forces for eliminating 19 terrorists in Balochistan. Earlier, Radio Pakistan reported that security forces killed two terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan in the Jausak area of Turbat.

In Mastung, nine terrorists were killed after attempting to attack a checkpost. Heavy weapons, ammunition, and three motorcycles were recovered from the scene, according to the state broadcaster.

On the other hand, Balochistan police killed five terrorists during a gun battle in Quetta's Aghbarg area after they attempted to attack a police station. The attackers arrived on motorcycles and targeted the Aghbarg police station before engaging in a fierce exchange of fire with the police. The Edhi Foundation also reported that one of its ambulances was allegedly hijacked by armed men in Balochistan, with the ambulance being used to transport the body of a woman from the Gidar area.