RAWALPINDI (MNN); Security forces eliminated 12 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out in Balochistan’s Kalat district, the military’s media wing reported on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched on Saturday following reports about the presence of terrorists linked to the Indian proxy network Fitna-al-Hindustan. Pakistan has classified several Balochistan-based militant outfits under this designation to underscore India’s alleged involvement in subversive activities inside the country.
The ISPR said troops engaged the militants’ hideout effectively, and after a fierce exchange of fire, 12 “Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell.” A cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered. These militants were reportedly involved in multiple terror attacks in the region.
The statement added that sanitisation operations were continuing to clear the area of any remaining Indian-backed militants. It reaffirmed that the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would proceed at full speed to root out foreign-sponsored terrorism.
Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. A day earlier, ISPR confirmed that 14 terrorists were killed in three separate IBOs in KP’s Lakki Marwat and Balochistan’s Tank. Earlier this week, seven militants were neutralised in two operations in North Waziristan.
President, PM praise Kalat operation
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for their successful operation. The president said Pakistan is fully capable of eliminating all enemies of peace and reiterated national resolve to defeat every conspiracy of Fitna-al-Hindustan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the forces were achieving major successes under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework and emphasised that the entire nation stands united in its determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.
