QUETTA: Pakistani security forces killed 33 militants associated with Fitna al Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation in the Shahbaan area of Quetta on Thursday.
Security sources say that security forces launched the operation during the night of May 14 after receiving confirmed intelligence regarding the presence of militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij.
Heavy exchange of fire took place during the operation, resulting in the killing of 33 militants, officials said.
Security forces sealed entry and exit routes in the area and intensified search and clearance operations, which were still continuing at the time of reporting.
Officials said operations would continue until the complete elimination of militants and vowed not to allow anti-state elements to disrupt peace.
In a separate operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces killed nine militants in the Mina and Inayat Kallay areas of Bajaur after militants attempted to launch attacks on security positions.
Security officials said troops responded effectively and foiled the attacks.
However, four Pakistan Army soldiers were killed during the clashes, officials added.
Security forces later surrounded the area and launched a search operation to trace any remaining militants.
