QUETTA: Security forces killed eight militants of the Fitna al Hindustan during separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan province, the military said on Saturday.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the operations took place in Kharan and Mastung districts on June 25 and 26.
According to the ISPR, security forces launched the first operation in Kharan after receiving intelligence about the movement of suspected militants. Troops engaged the group and killed three militants. Several others were wounded, the statement said.
The military referred to the militants as belonging to “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a term it uses for militant groups that it alleges are backed by India. India has denied supporting militant activity inside Pakistan.
In a second operation on June 26, security forces acted on intelligence indicating the presence of a suspected suicide bomber in Mastung. Troops raided a militant hideout before the suspected attack could be carried out, the ISPR said.
Five militants, including the suspected suicide bomber, were killed during an exchange of fire, according to the military.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and motorcycles from the site, the statement said.
The military said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations against militant groups across the country.
