BRUSSELS/RAWALPINDI, (Unib Rashid) – Security forces have killed 36 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across several districts of Balochistan during the past 12 to 24 hours, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The operations were carried out in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi against militants described by the security forces as Indian-sponsored terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.

According to the ISPR, six terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Mastung on September 4 after security forces detected and engaged their movement. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the deaths of six militants. A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was also destroyed at the site.

In another operation in the Shaban area of Quetta district, security forces identified four militant hideouts. Following an intense exchange of fire, 26 terrorists were killed, the ISPR said.

Meanwhile, in Kalat district, security forces conducted a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout, killing two militants, according to the statement.

In Bhag area of Sibi district, security forces, in coordination with the local population, thwarted an attempted attack on a police station. During the ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed.

The ISPR said that 48 terrorists affiliated with what it described as Indian proxy groups, Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij, had been killed across Balochistan during the past 48 to 72 hours.

Sanitisation operations are currently underway in the affected areas to locate and eliminate any remaining militants, the statement added.

The security forces reiterated that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue with full force.

The campaign, according to the ISPR, is aimed at eliminating the threat of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.