Pakistan says security forces kill eight militants in Balochistan operations
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistani security forces have killed eight militants in three intelligence-based operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan, the military said on Sunday, reporting the recovery of weapons, ammunition and 490 kilograms of explosives.
The operations were conducted on Saturday in the districts of Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
In Quetta district, security forces intercepted an attempt by militants to establish a roadblock in the Panjpai area to disrupt local traffic. Five militants were killed during the operation, the statement said.
In Nushki district, troops raided a suspected militant hideout and killed two militants following an exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, according to the military.
In a separate operation in Khuzdar district, security forces targeted another suspected hideout, killing one militant and recovering 490 kilograms of explosives, the statement added.
The military described the militants as Indian-sponsored and affiliated with what it calls “Fitna al-Hindustan.”
Security forces were conducting follow-up searches to locate any other militants in the affected areas, the ISPR said.
The operations form part of Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign, known as “Azm-e-Istehkam,” which was approved by the federal government’s Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of backing militant activity in Balochistan.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a long-running insurgency, alongside attacks targeting security personnel, infrastructure and civilians. Pakistani authorities have vowed to continue operations against militant groups operating in the province.
