Pakistan says five militants killed in security operation in Balochistan
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistani security forces have killed five militants belonging to an Indian-sponsored BLA terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation in the southwestern province of Balochistan, the military said Thursday.
The operation was conducted overnight between October 12 and 13 in Washuk district, where security forces targeted a militant hideout following reports of the presence of members of what Pakistan calls “Fitna al Hindustan,” according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
The military said five militants described as Indian-sponsored were killed during the operation. Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the hideout.
Security forces were conducting follow-up operations to search the area and identify any other suspected militants, the ISPR said.
The military added that counterterrorism operations would continue under “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a national security initiative approved by the federal apex committee overseeing Pakistan’s National Action Plan.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting militant activity in Balochistan, an allegation New Delhi has denied in previous disputes.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a long-running insurgency involving terrorist groups. Attacks have targeted security personnel, government installations and civilians, making the province a major focus of Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations.
