Security Forces Kill 21 Militants in Balochistan Operations, Six Personnel Martyred
QUETTA: Security forces killed 21 militants during operations in Balochistan’s Chagai and Pishin districts, while six security and Customs personnel were martyred, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to the ISPR, the operations were conducted during the night between August 31 and September 1 in Nokchah area of Chagai district and Ziarat Cross in Pishin district. Eleven militants were killed in Nokchah, while 10 were eliminated in Ziarat Cross.
The ISPR said that on August 31, militants affiliated with the India-backed group Fitna al-Hindustan established an illegal roadblock on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway in an attempt to disrupt the peaceful movement of passengers and civilians and collect extortion money.
Security forces responded immediately, resulting in an intense exchange of fire in which 11 militants were killed. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from their possession.
In a separate operation during the night of August 31 and September 1, militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij attacked the Customs House and attempted to damage the facility. Security forces launched an effective retaliatory operation, killing 10 militants in an intense exchange of fire. The forces also pursued fleeing militants, inflicting further casualties.
The ISPR stated that the attack on the Customs House reflected a nexus between terrorism and criminal activities aimed at preventing Customs officials from performing their lawful duties and allowing illegal activities to continue in the area.
During the exchange of fire, six personnel, including two officers and a government employee of the Customs Department, were martyred.
A clearance operation is continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate remaining militants and ensure the safety of the local population and important national highways.
The ISPR said that counterterrorism operations would continue with full determination under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative approved by the federal apex committee of the National Action Plan. Security forces and law-enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating terrorism carried out with foreign support and assistance, it added.
