Pakistan’s security forces killed 17 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across several districts of Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operations were carried out in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech following the deadly railway track blast that occurred on May 24. Security personnel targeted multiple suspected militant hideouts based on intelligence reports.
According to the military’s media wing, troops engaged the militants in intense exchanges of fire, resulting in the elimination of 17 members of the group identified by authorities as Fitna al-Hindustan.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the operations. Officials said the militants were involved in various terrorist activities in the region.
The operations came days after an explosion near a railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta killed at least 14 people, including three Frontier Corps personnel, and injured several others. Women and children were among those wounded in the blast, according to provincial authorities.
Pakistan has experienced a rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021. Security forces have continued conducting counter-terrorism operations to dismantle militant networks and improve security in affected areas.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for successfully carrying out the operations and commended their professionalism and courage. He said eliminating terrorism supported from outside the country remains a national priority and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to defeating militant threats.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the security forces on the successful operations. He said the achievements reflected the determination of both the armed forces and the nation in the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister noted that the sacrifices made by security personnel and law enforcement agencies are highly valued and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism from the country.
He reaffirmed that counter-terrorism operations would continue until militant networks are fully dismantled and said any attempt to undermine Pakistan’s peace, stability and development would be defeated.
