ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed 15 terrorists linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) during two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan on Thursday, the military said on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence-based operation was carried out in Harnai district after reports of the presence of terrorists described as “Khwarij ex Fitna al Khwarij.”
During the raid, troops engaged the terrorists’ hideout and, following a heavy exchange of fire, “twelve Indian sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell,” the statement said.
Authorities in Pakistan refer to TTP terrorists as “Fitna al Khwarij” and BLA fighters as “Fitna al Hindustan.”
A second intelligence-based operation was conducted in Basima district, where security forces located terrorists linked to “Fitna al Hindustan.” Troops engaged the suspects using mixed-calibre weapons, and after a fierce firefight “three Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” according to the ISPR.
Weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists, whom the military said had been involved in multiple terrorist activities.
The statement added that sanitisation operations were continuing in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
Counter-terrorism campaign
The military said the “relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.”
Meanwhile, the ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ operation entered its ninth day on Saturday, with security forces continuing both ground and aerial operations against the Afghan Taliban and “Fitna al Khwarij.”
Security sources said the army’s ongoing land and air actions had caused significant losses to Afghan Taliban operatives and forced many to retreat.
According to the sources, 527 Afghan Taliban operatives had been killed since the campaign began, while more than 755 others were injured. They also said 237 check posts had been destroyed during the operation.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the successful operations in Balochistan, stating that the killing of 15 Indian-sponsored terrorists reflected the professionalism and determination of the armed forces.
“Eliminating foreign-backed terrorism from the country remains our top priority,” the president said.
He added that the nation stood united with the security forces in defending the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the forces for the operations, saying they were achieving significant successes against terrorism under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision.
“We are determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” the prime minister said.
