Security forces kill four terrorists in Mastung IBO: state media

Security forces killed four terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Mastung district, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.

The operation comes a day after a district and sessions judge and his security guard were killed after unidentified armed men opened fire on their vehicle on the national highway in Mastung, while an additional sessions judge and another person sustained serious injuries.

Following the attack, security forces and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area, launched a search operation and established checkpoints at various locations to apprehend the attackers

Security sources said the operation was carried out under Operation Azm in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung, where security forces conducted a successful operation against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, which is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army and other groups in the province.

Four terrorists were killed during the operation, while a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from them, the sources added. Security forces also seized motorcycles being used by the terrorists.

The security sources added that there were confirmed reports that several other terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan were injured during the operation. According to the security sources, multiple suspects involved in facilitating the terrorists were also arrested during the operation.

They said search and clearance operations remain underway in the area, while security forces continue to maintain full surveillance.

Sources further said intelligence-based operations in Khad Kocha had been intensified following recent terrorist attacks in the area, adding that operations would continue until terrorism is eliminated and peace and order are restored in the region.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for the successful operation in Mastung and praised the professional capabilities of the security forces for killing the four terrorists, saying they had foiled the terrorists’ nefarious designs through timely action.

“The entire nation stands with its brave security forces in the fight against terrorism,” the interior minister said.

He added that the security forces were carrying out vigorous and effective operations against terrorists in Balochistan, and asserted that the alleged nexus between Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij could not succeed in destroying peace in Pakistan.

On Thursday, six terrorists were killed and several others arrested, including male and female suicide bombers, during another intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out by security forces in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung district.

On Wednesday, security forces killed 10 terrorists and apprehended two female suicide bombers and a facilitator during multiple intelligence-based operations in Balochistan.