KALAT: The security forces killed five terrorists and recovered 23 abducted people during an operation near Kalat in Balochistan after militants allegedly attempted to establish a checkpoint on the Chaman-Karachi N-25 highway for abductions, extortion and vehicle snatching, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operation was conducted during the night of September 18-19, when the militants allegedly sought to disrupt the movement of passengers and vehicles along the vital national highway.
The security forces responded to the situation, leading to an intense exchange of fire in which five terrorists were killed, ISPR said.
In this regard, the security forces recovered 23 abducted people from the terrorists’ hideout following the operation.
The recovery came as security personnel moved against the group accused of using the highway checkpoint to target passengers and motorists.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of six trucks, three buses and two cars from the hideout. The large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also seized.
The N-25, connecting Karachi with Chaman through Balochistan, is an important route for passenger and commercial traffic. ISPR said the militants had attempted to interfere with the peaceful movement of people by establishing a checkpoint allegedly intended for abduction for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching.
The military identified the attackers as members of what it calls Fitna al-Hindustan and described the group as an Indian-sponsored proxy.
ISPR said the continuing operation was aimed at protecting the local population and maintaining the security of vital national highways. The latest action comes amid intensified counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan.
Counter-Terrorism Campaign Continues
ISPR said the operation had thwarted the militants’ attempt to disrupt movement along the N-25. It added that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue.
The military’s media wing further stated that security forces and law-enforcement agencies remained committed to countering what it described as foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism in the country.
The operation near Kalat highlights the continuing security challenges along key transport routes in Balochistan, where authorities have carried out a series of counter-terrorism operations in recent weeks.
