RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces have killed five “Indian-sponsored” terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBOs) in southwestern Balochistan province, the military’s media wing said.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation was launched on confirmed intelligence regarding the presence of militants linked to “Fitna al Khwarij,” described as an Indian-backed proxy network.
The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used to refer to the banned terrorist groups, most prominently the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group.
“During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the entire tashkeel with multiple weapons. After an intense fire exchange, a suicide bomber, Kharji cowardly blew himself up and four other Indian sponsored Khwarij were hunted down and sent to hell,” the statement said.
The military said weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.
Sanitisation operations are ongoing to ensure no additional militants remain in the area, the ISPR added.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting militant networks operating inside Balochistan.
The military reiterated that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
The campaign aims to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from Pakistan, with security forces and law enforcement agencies committed to continuing their efforts at full pace.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border terror incidents since the Afghan Taliban returned to Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Pakistan said the Afghan Taliban regime’s continued support for terrorist groups had enabled them to carry out attacks against the Pakistan military and civilian population along the Pak-Afghan border and in adjoining areas.
