Security forces killed eight militants in two Balochistan raids: ISPR
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations were conducted on June 25 and 26 as part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign against Fitna al Hindustan.
The first raid took place in Kharan district on June 25, after troops picked up the movement of a group of terrorists through intelligence leads. Forces engaged the group, killing three militants and wounding several others in what ISPR described as a precise and skillful operation.
A second raid followed a day later in Mastung district, after intelligence pointed to the possible presence of a suicide bomber in the area. Troops surrounded the location and, after an intense exchange of fire, killed five militants, including the suspected bomber. Weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and motorbikes used by the militants were recovered from the site.
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ISPR said sanitisation operations are continuing in both districts to clear any remaining fighters, and that the broader campaign will press on until foreign-sponsored terrorism is wiped out of the country entirely.
Reacting to the operations, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of the officers and soldiers involved, and said operations should continue until foreign-sponsored terrorism is completely eradicated from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the troops, vowing that the fight against militancy will not stop "until the complete eradication of all forms of terrorism from Pakistan," and warning that "the enemies of Pakistan's peace will be given a crushing defeat on every front."
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces' professionalism and bravery, saying their timely and effective action had foiled the militants' plans and reaffirmed that the nation stands firmly behind them in the war against terrorism.
The Kharan and Mastung operations are the latest in a string of counterterrorism strikes across Balochistan this month. Following the deadly train attack near Quetta in late May, security forces launched a wave of raids across Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech districts, killing 17 militants linked to Fitna al-Hindustan.
Balochistan remains the focal point of Pakistan's internal security operations, with officials describing the sustained tempo of strikes as proof that the military's resolve against externally backed militancy in the province is unwavering.
