QUETTA: Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed five militants during an operation in Mastung, officials said.
The militants, linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), were reportedly planning to block the Quetta-Sibi highway and carry out attacks on security forces and civilian traffic in Dasht area of Mastung.
A CTD spokesperson said intelligence had revealed the presence of armed BLA operatives in Dasht. Teams from Quetta were dispatched immediately and began surveillance of the area.
Upon spotting CTD personnel, the militants opened fire. A heavy exchange of gunfire ensued. Five unidentified militants were killed during the encounter. Seven others escaped, taking advantage of the rugged, hilly terrain.
Authorities recovered five submachine guns with ammunition, seven hand grenades, and three motorcycles from the militants.
CTD officials said search and combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing militants and dismantle the remaining network. The bodies of the slain militants were taken to a local hospital.
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A case has been registered at the CTD police station in connection with the incident.
