17 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations, soldier martyred: ISPR

Security forces killed 17 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan's Kachhi and Kharan districts on November 1, while a Pakistan Army soldier was martyred in an exchange of fire, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. The operations followed reports of terrorists from groups the military calls Indian-sponsored.

How did security forces kill 17 terrorists in Balochistan?

Security forces carried out two separate intelligence-based operations on November 1. In Kachhi, they foiled a roadblock attempt and killed 10 terrorists. In Kharan, a raid on a hideout ended in an intense exchange of fire that killed seven more, according to the ISPR.

The ISPR said the operations were conducted after reports of terrorists belonging to what it described as Indian-sponsored groups, Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.

In the first operation, in the Sanni area of Kachhi district, security forces foiled an attempt to establish a roadblock in the city through timely and proactive action. The operation killed 10 Indian-sponsored terrorists, the ISPR said. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the site.

What happened in Kharan district?

In a separate intelligence-based operation, security forces raided a terrorist hideout in Kharan district. Seven terrorists, whom the military described as Indian-sponsored Khawarij, were killed following an intense exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered.

Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, a resident of Karak district, embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire after fighting gallantly, according to the ISPR.

What happens next after the Balochistan operations?

The military said sanitization operations were underway in the affected areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists.

It added that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of "Azm-e-Istehkam" would continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. The Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan approved the vision.