RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 21 militants in a series of counterterrorism operations in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Tuesday.
The operations took place overnight from August 31 to September 1 in Nokcha in Chagai district and Ziarat Cross in Pishin district.
According to ISPR, the militants belonged to Indian-sponsored groups known as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
On August 31, militants linked to Fitna al-Hindustan set up an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway. They allegedly aimed to disrupt traffic and extort money from commuters.
Security forces responded immediately. An intense exchange of fire followed. Eleven militants were killed, ISPR said.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the militants.
Later, militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated attack on a customs facility at Ziarat Cross. Security forces repelled the attack and killed 10 militants after an intense exchange of fire.
Security forces also engaged militants who fled the area. The military said the engagement caused further casualties among the attackers.
ISPR described the attack on the customs facility as part of a “terror-crime nexus.” It said the attackers sought to prevent customs officials from carrying out their duties and facilitate criminal activities in the area.
Six personnel, including two officers and a customs official, were martyred during the exchange of fire, ISPR said.
Security forces have launched sanitisation operations in surrounding areas. The operations aim to eliminate any remaining militants and secure the local population and major highways.
The military said its counterterrorism campaign under the government-approved Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to combating what the military described as foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism in Pakistan, ISPR said.
