Security forces killed 21 terrorists during operations in Balochistan’s Chagai and Pishin districts, while six personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, were martyred, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted on the intervening night of August 31 and September 1 in Nokcha area of Chagai district and Ziarat Cross in Pishin district.
The ISPR said the terrorists belonged to groups it identified as Fitna-ul-Hindustan and Fitna-ul-Khawarij and were operating with foreign support.
11 terrorists killed in Chagai
According to the ISPR, terrorists attempted to establish an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway on August 31 to extort money and disrupt the movement of passengers.
Security forces responded to the attempt, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire in which 11 terrorists were killed.
A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the militants, the ISPR said.
10 terrorists killed in Pishin
In another operation, terrorists attempted to enter the Customs House through a coordinated attack during the night of August 31 and September 1.
Security forces responded and killed 10 terrorists, while fleeing militants were also targeted, according to the ISPR.
The military’s media wing described the attack as a manifestation of a nexus between terrorism and crime, saying the objective was to prevent Customs authorities from carrying out their legal duties and facilitate criminal activities in the area.
Six personnel martyred
The ISPR said six personnel were martyred during the exchange of fire, including two officers and a government official of the Customs Department.
Clearance and sanitisation operations are currently underway in surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the security of the local population and major national highways.
The ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
It added that the counterterrorism campaign under operation Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee for the National Action Plan, would continue with full force and determination.
