QUETTA (Web Desk) - Security forces have foiled an attempt by terrorists to disrupt public movement on the N-25 highway near Kalat, killing five militants and safely recovering 23 hostages, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military's media wing, the terrorists had established a checkpoint on the highway to abduct people, extort money and seize vehicles.
Security forces responded promptly and killed five terrorists during the operation, while a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the militants' hideout.
Six trucks, three buses and two cars were recovered from the site, according to the ISPR.
The operation comes amid intensified security operations against militants across Balochistan under Operation Raddul Fitna 3.
On Saturday, security forces killed eleven militants in separate operations in Balochistan.
The operations were conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 against militants in Panjgur and Chagai.
According to security sources, security forces carried out an operation in Gwargo, Panjgur, in which five militants were killed.
In separate operations in Aminabad and Siah Chang, six more militants were killed, the sources said.
Security sources said a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the militants killed during the operations in Chagai.
The operations were carried out as part of ongoing actions against militants in the province, according to the sources.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised Pakistan’s security forces for their operations against militants in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.
Naqvi commended the professional capabilities of the forces and paid tribute to the personnel involved in the operations.
The interior minister said the security forces had demonstrated their resolve to protect national security by thwarting the militants’ alleged plans. He expressed pride in the personnel taking part in Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.
Naqvi said the nation stood alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism. He added that operations against what the government refers to as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were continuing with full force and would continue.