Summary Security forces have killed 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan's Kachhi and Kharan districts, while a soldier is martyred.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistani security forces have killed 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists during two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, while an army soldier was martyred in an exchange of fire, the military's media wing said on Tuesday.
The operations were conducted in Kachhi and Kharan districts on November 1 against militants belonging to Fitna Al Hindustan and Fitna Al Khawarij, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military said the operations were launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists in the two districts.
In Kachhi district's Sanni area, security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation and thwarted an attempt by terrorists to establish a roadblock.
The military said 10 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during the operation. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the area following the engagement.
The attempted road blockade was prevented before the militants could carry out their intended activity, according to the ISPR.
In a separate operation in Kharan district, security forces targeted a terrorist hideout and killed seven militants belonging to Fitna Al Khawarij following an intense exchange of fire.
The military's statement said the hideout was destroyed during the operation.
During the exchange of fire in Kharan, Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, from Karak district, fought bravely and embraced martyrdom, the ISPR said.
Security forces recovered weapons and ammunition during the operations, while sanitisation efforts were under way in the affected areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
The military said clearance operations would continue to ensure that other militants in the areas were tracked down and neutralised.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for killing 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists during the operations in Kachhi and Kharan. He also paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, who was martyred while confronting terrorists in Kharan, and prayed for the elevation of his ranks.
The prime minister expressed condolences and sympathy to the soldier's family over their loss.
Shehbaz Sharif said security forces were achieving significant successes against terrorism under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam and remained committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism from the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised security forces for their successful operations against Indian-sponsored terrorists in Balochistan. He commended their professional capabilities for thwarting the militants' designs and killing 17 terrorists in the two operations.
Naqvi paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, saying the soldier had set a remarkable example by sacrificing his life for the country. He described the country's security personnel as a source of pride and said security forces remained determined to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism.
The interior minister added that the nation stood alongside security forces in the fight against terrorism.
