19 terrorists killed, soldier martyred in operations in Balochistan: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday that 19 terrorists were killed and a soldier, Subedar Muhammad Jamil, was martyred in various operations across Balochistan. Intelligence agencies reported the presence of hideouts belonging to Indian-sponsored groups, Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, in Quetta district's Shaban area, which posed a threat to the local population.

The state identifies Fitna al Khawarij as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and categorizes designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to underscore India's role in terrorism and destabilization across Pakistan.

Security forces initiated a clearance operation in the general area of Shaban since September 21, successfully clearing multiple terrorist hideouts and engaging in intense exchanges of fire. Thirteen of the killed were Indian-sponsored terrorists, while weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the cleared hideouts. The operation will 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, resulting in the killing of six terrorists and the recovery of weapons and ammunition. Subedar Jamil, a 39-year-old resident of Taunsa Sharif, was among those who sacrificed their lives during the exchange of fire. President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations, hailing their professionalism and commitment to the nation's peace and security.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the courage and capabilities of the security forces in eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.