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Pakistan army killed 8 terrorists, including a suicide bomber, in southwestern Balochistan province

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's security forces neutralized eight terrorists, including a suicide bomber, during two intelligence-driven operations in Balochistan's Kharan and Mastung districts, the military's media wing announced Saturday.

The operations, conducted on June 25 and 26, targeted militants linked to "Fitna Al Hindustan," a term used by Pakistani authorities to designate terrorist groups allegedly backed by India.

The strikes were carried out under the ongoing counterterrorism campaign "Azm-e-Istehkam," approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

On June 25, security forces acting on intelligence about a terrorist movement in Kharan district engaged a militant group. After a precise operation, three terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy network were killed, while several others were wounded.

A pre-emptive intelligence-based operation was launched on June 26 in Mastung district following reports of a potential suicide bomber. Troops engaged the target location, and following an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed, among them the suspected suicide bomber.

Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and motorcycles used by the terrorists from both sites. Sanitization operations are underway to eliminate any remaining terrorist presence in the area.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their professionalism and determination, stating that operations should continue until the complete eradication of foreign-sponsored terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the forces, vowing that Pakistan would continue its struggle until all forms of terrorism are eliminated.

"Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision 'Azm e Istehkam' by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the ISPR statement said .

Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of using proxies to destabilize the country.