ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised the security forces for killing seven Indian-backed militants from the group Fitna al-Khawarij during an operation in Sherani district of Balochistan.
“These terrorists, who targeted innocent and unarmed civilians, have been decisively defeated,” the Prime Minister said in a statement issued by his office.
He vowed to “uproot the menace of terrorism” and reaffirmed that the government, along with the security forces, remains fully committed to eliminating militancy from the country.
“We will never allow those who seek to harm Pakistan’s integrity to succeed,” he added.
Earlier today, the ISPR said in a statement that the security forces killed at least seven militants linked to the Indian-backed group Fitna al Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation in Sherani district of Balochistan.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces launched the raid on the basis of intelligence and engaged the militants in a fierce gun battle. Seven fighters were killed in the exchange of fire.
The ISPR said the slain militants belonged to Fitna al Khawarij, a group accused of carrying out sabotage and unrest in Pakistan with Indian support, including attacks on civilians and security forces.
Troops searched the area after the clash and recovered heavy weapons, ammunition and communication equipment. Security officials said the militants were linked to elements that had previously carried out attacks in the region.
The army’s spokesperson said operations against Indian-sponsored groups will continue “until peace and stability are fully restored.”
Local residents in Sherani and nearby areas welcomed the operation, according to security sources, and expressed relief over the elimination of the militants.
Earlier on Wednesday, the forces also carried out an operation in Sherani, killing eight Khawarij. According to the ISPR, the forces killed 21 terrorists in Balochistan that day, including 10 on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital.
