QUETTA: Pakistani security forces have killed 12 militants and arrested nine others in a series of intelligence-based operations across areas surrounding Balochistan’s provincial capital, security and intelligence sources said.
The operations were conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna III in several suburban areas around Quetta, including Shaban, Sirki Kach, Killi Sheikhhan and Mangala.
Security forces targeted suspected militant positions linked by officials to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to the sources, the operations resulted in the deaths of more than 12 militants and injuries to several others. Nine suspects were also apprehended.
The coordinated raids focused on suspected militant hideouts and aimed to disrupt planned attacks in the region.
Meanwhile, bomb disposal teams detected two improvised explosive devices near key routes during the clearance operations. The teams safely defused both devices, the sources said.
Security forces have also tightened their cordon around the targeted areas. Search and clearance operations remain underway as troops continue to track suspected militants.
Separately, militants attacked the Rading Trade Crossing in Mand on Monday, according to security sources.
The attackers used small arms and under-barrel grenade launcher fire, the sources said. Security forces responded quickly and forced the attackers to flee.
The attack caused no major damage to the trade terminal, LPG trucks or other property, according to the sources. However, one customs official sustained injuries and was taken to hospital.
Security sources said the fleeing attackers suffered casualties during the response. Security forces have launched a search operation to track down the remaining militants.
The latest operations come amid heightened security efforts across Balochistan. Authorities have said counter-terrorism operations will continue until militant threats are neutralised and the targeted areas are fully secured.
