Five terrorists killed, 23 abductees rescued in Kalat operation

Security forces killed five terrorists and rescued 23 abductees near Kalat, Balochistan, after militants tried to set up a checkpoint on the N-25 highway overnight on September 18-19, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday. The group allegedly carried out abductions for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching.

What happened in the Kalat operation?

Security forces exchanged fire with terrorists who tried to set up an illegal checkpoint on the N-25 highway near Kalat. Five terrorists were killed. The forces then recovered 23 abductees, six trucks, three buses and two cars from the group's hideout, along with weapons, ammunition and explosives, according to ISPR.

Who did ISPR blame for the Kalat checkpoint attempt?

The incident took place during the night of September 18-19, ISPR said. It named the terrorists as belonging to what it described as Fitna al Hindustan, which allegedly tried to set up the checkpoint on the Chaman-Karachi highway.

Security forces responded immediately, and an intense exchange of fire followed. The military said the operation thwarted an attempt to disrupt traffic and create insecurity along the vital national highway.

What did the prime minister say about the Kalat operation?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces on Sunday for their successful operation near Kalat along the N-25, which connects Chaman and Karachi. He commended their timely and effective action, which led to the killing of five terrorists and the safe rescue of 23 abducted individuals.

The prime minister said the forces had thwarted a plot to disrupt public movement, carry out kidnappings for ransom, extort citizens and snatch vehicles along the highway. He also praised the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives, along with six trucks, three buses and two vehicles.

Sharif reiterated that anti-terror operations would continue under Azm-e-Istehkam until the country is purged of foreign-sponsored terrorism.

What happens next after the Kalat operation?

Sanitization operations are continuing in surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety of the local population and highways, ISPR said.

The military said the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of "Azm-e-Istehkam," approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating what ISPR described as foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism.