ISPR says cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives was also recovered during the operation
Security forces killed five terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al-Hindustan, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Washuk district of Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
The federal government last year officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through the outfits.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted on the night of October 12-13 following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to what the military described as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan.
“During the conduct of the operation, a terrorist hideout was busted by security forces through swift and decisive action,” ISPR said, adding that five Indian-sponsored terrorists were neutralised.
A cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered during the operation, the statement added.
ISPR said sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area.
“Relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, would continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country” the statement concluded.
Read: 49 terrorists killed in Balochistan, K-P IBOs
A day earlier, security forces also killed five terrorists and injured four others during an IBO against Fitna al-Hindustan in the same district of Balochistan. During the operation, advanced weapons and ammunition were recovered.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity over the past three months, with a series of attacks across the country resulting in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians.
Last week, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the attack.
On September 19, 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in a blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, the Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.
In a separate incident, a captain and a lieutenant were among six security personnel martyred in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, while eight terrorists were killed.
On September 1, six personnel, including two officers, and a customs department official were martyred as security forces thwarted an attempt to breach the Customs House in Balochistan.
In July, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault.
