QUETTA: At least nine militants of the Fitna al Hindustan were killed and three personnel of the security forces were martyred during an intelligence-based operation on the Karachi–Quetta highway in Balochistan after the India-backed group blocked the road to loot travellers.
The operation was carried out on the N-25 highway between Jhao Cross and Kararo after security forces received credible intelligence about the presence of militants, security forces sources said.
Authorities said that the militants, whom the state refers to as “Fitna al Hindustan,” had set up roadblocks and were collecting extortion payments from passengers and local residents.
Security forces engaged the militants in a firefight, killing nine of them and wounding several others, the statement said.
Three Pakistani soldiers were also killed during the operation, while several others were wounded. The injured were receiving medical treatment, according to the statement.
The military said the operation dealt a significant blow to the militant network operating in the area.
It said security forces would continue operations to protect civilians, secure highways and maintain peace in Balochistan.
The military’s claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from the militant group.
