KALAT: The security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Kalat, targeting what officials described as the presence of militants linked to the group Fitna al Hindustan, which authorities allege is an Indian-sponsored proxy organisation.
In this regard, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was initiated following credible intelligence regarding the militants’ location. So far, security personnel moved to the area in a coordinated action, where they came under fire as the operation commenced.
An intense exchange of fire ensued, during which security forces engaged the suspects’ positions.
The ISPR reported that twelve militants were killed during the encounter. In this sense, officials stated that the individuals were believed to be involved in a series of terrorist activities in and around the region. In addition, security personnel also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives from the site. The recovered material, according to the ISPR, indicates that the group had been preparing for further militant activities in the area.
In addition, security forces launched a sanitisation effort to ensure that no additional militants were present nearby. Authorities stated that such follow-up actions are standard procedure to prevent regrouping or escape of individuals linked to militant networks.
The operation is part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the framework of Azm-e-Istehkam, a national strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. The policy aims to strengthen coordination between security forces and law enforcement agencies to counter what officials describe as foreign-sponsored terrorism and destabilisation efforts.
The ISPR confirmed that security forces remain committed to continuing counterterrorism operations across the country.
It focused on that actions would persist at full pace in order to safeguard citizens and maintain long-term stability in affected regions.
