Sixteen terrorists killed in separate security operations across Balochistan, state media reports

At least 16 terrorists were killed on Wednesday in separate military and police operations across Balochistan’s Mastung, Turbat and Quetta districts, state media reported.

According to Radio Pakistan, security forces killed two terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan during an intelligence-based operation in Turbat’s Jausak area. The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan, Dawn reported.

Pakistan Television said operations against terrorists continued in Balochistan under Raddul Fitna-3. In Mastung, nine terrorists were killed after they attempted to attack a checkpost, the broadcaster reported; heavy weapons, ammunition and three motorcycles were recovered. “Operations will continue until the threat is eliminated,” Pakistan TV said, quoting the security forces.

Separately, Balochistan police killed five terrorists in a gun battle in Quetta’s Aghbarg area after they attempted to attack a police station in the early hours of Wednesday. “In a heavy exchange of fire, five terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed by police,” Saddar Senior Superintendent of Police Shafqat Janjua said, adding that officers had foiled the attack and seized weapons and ammunition. The attackers arrived on motorcycles, he said.

The Edhi Foundation said one of its ambulances was allegedly hijacked by armed men in Balochistan on Wednesday. The ambulance was returning to the Edhi Kalat Centre at around 7:15am after transporting a woman’s body from near Gidar, when unidentified armed men assaulted the Edhi worker and took control of it, the foundation said.

Sources

• Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/2032069