QUETTA (Dunya News) – Security forces said they killed 14 militants in separate operations in Balochistan in a single day as authorities continued Operation Shaban against armed groups across the province.
According to security sources, five more terrorists were killed in the latest operations, taking the total number of militants killed during the day to 14.
The security sources identified the slain individuals as being affiliated with what officials described as "Fitna al-Hindustan." Weapons, hand grenades, a motorcycle, mobile phones, flags of a banned outfit and other materials were recovered during the operations. Security officials said counterterrorism operations are continuing across Balochistan to dismantle militant networks and restore peace in the province.
Earlier in the day, security forces carried out coordinated air and ground operations in remote mountainous regions and difficult terrain, where nine militants were killed, according to security sources.
Officials said the total number of militants killed during Operation Shaban has now increased to 57, while 93 militants have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations conducted since July 5, according to security sources.
Security officials reiterated that Operation Shaban would continue until the last militant in Balochistan had been eliminated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces, saying the government remained determined to eradicate terrorism from its roots.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and police, saying the security forces had foiled the enemy's alleged plans. Naqvi said militants were a burden on the country and its people, adding that their complete elimination was essential and that those responsible for violence would find no safe haven.