Pakistan’s security forces killed 17 terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Balochistan following the deadly suicide car bomb attack on a shuttle train in Quetta, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said on Tuesday that the operations were carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech. Security personnel targeted multiple terrorist hideouts based on intelligence reports.
According to ISPR, intense exchanges of fire took place during the operations. As a result, 17 terrorists linked to what Pakistan describes as the Indian-sponsored Fitna al Hindustan network were killed.
The operations were launched days after a suicide car bomb attack targeted a shuttle train near Quetta on May 24. The bombing killed at least 14 people and injured 20 others, raising fresh concerns over security in the province.
ISPR stated that security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the terrorists. The military said the militants had been actively involved in several terrorist activities in the region.
The statement added that ongoing sanitisation operations are underway to eliminate any remaining militants from the affected areas. Security forces are continuing search and clearance operations to prevent future attacks and dismantle terrorist networks.
ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the national strategy “Azm-e-Istehkam” will continue without interruption. The campaign was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan and aims to eradicate terrorism across the country.
Balochistan has witnessed several security incidents in recent months. Last month, a Pakistan Army major was among five soldiers martyred during a sanitisation operation in Barkhan district. Seven terrorists were also killed during that operation.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns over the resurgence of terrorism since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Kabul in 2021. Islamabad has urged Afghan authorities to take action against militant sanctuaries allegedly used by terrorist groups targeting Pakistan.
The latest operations in Balochistan reflect the state’s continued efforts to strengthen security and counter militant threats across the province.
