ZIARAT: Security forces continued the hunt for India-sponsored terrorists in Balochistan as part of the ongoing Operation Shahban against Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, following a deadly wave of coordinated attacks that killed dozens of police officers, soldiers and civilians.
According to security sources, Frontier Corps (North) blocking position was established in the mountainous Harnai-Ziarat area on the night of July 11-12.
A group of four to six militants, travelling on motorcycles, was intercepted during the operation, the sources said.
Five militants were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, according to the security sources. Later, they were identified as militants of the Baloch Liberation Army, also known as Fitna al Hindustan.
Weapons and equipment were recovered from the site, the sources said. The cache included one M4 rifle with 455 rounds of ammunition, three submachine guns with 951 rounds, one rocket launcher with three rockets, one under-barrel grenade launcher, one night-vision device, four ICOM communication sets, two Alpha communication devices, two motorcycles and one handheld jammer.
The internationally designated terrorist group the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), is receiving support from India and elements in Afghanistan.
Operation Shahban was launched in Balochistan after a wave of militant attacks that left dozens of police officers, soldiers and civilians dead. Security operations have since continued across several districts of the province.
Also Read: 88 Terrorists Killed as Forces Thwart BLA Coordinated Attacks in Balochistan
The operation, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, intelligence agencies, and military helicopters, is primarily targeting the BLA and TTP, also known as Fitna al Khawarij.
