RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Pakistan’s security forces have killed four more terrorists linked to the “Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan” during a sanitization operation conducted after the July 19 intelligence-based operation (IBO) against terrorists in Balochistan’s Kalat district, the military’s media wing stated on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces conducted a “deliberate sanitisation operation” following the successful IBO on July 19, during which four terrorists “belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan” were killed.
“Fitna al Hindustan” is a state term referred to the Indian-backed terrorist groups operating in the Balochistan province of the country.
“During the conduct of the operation, four more terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan were hunted down and successfully neutralised,” ISPR said.
A terrorist hideout was also busted and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered, the ISPR added.
“Security forces, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts by Indian proxies at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” the military’s media wing maintained.
Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror attacks, particularly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, since the return of Taliban rulers in Afghanistan in 2021.
In May this year, Pakistan saw a slight uptick in terror attacks even as heightened military tensions with neighbouring India failed to trigger a significant escalation in violence from extremist groups.
Data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicates a 5 percent increase in attacks compared to April, though the overall picture suggests terrorist groups largely remained contained despite the regional geopolitical climate.
According to the PICSS monthly security assessment, May recorded 85 militant attacks, a marginal rise from 81 in April.
These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees.
The month also saw 182 individuals injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four terrorists, and one peace committee member.
In operations initiated by security forces during the month, at least 59 terrorists were killed, while five security personnel were martyred.
