CTD Operation in Mastung: Five BLA Militants Killed, Arms and Ammunition Recovered

**Mastung:** The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out a major intelligence-based operation in the Dasht area of Mastung district, killing five militants affiliated with the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

According to CTD officials, the operation was conducted on January 19 at around 4:45 pm after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of armed militants hiding in a mountainous area near Dasht. The terrorists were reportedly planning to block the Quetta–Sibi National Highway and carry out acts of sabotage to disrupt law and order.

Acting on the tip-off, CTD teams launched a swift operation, during which an exchange of fire took place between security personnel and the militants. As a result of the intense encounter, five terrorists were killed, while their remaining accomplices managed to escape by taking advantage of the rugged mountainous terrain.

The CTD spokesperson said that a large cache of weapons was recovered from the slain militants, including five sub-machine guns (SMGs), seven hand grenades, and three motorcycles.

Search and combing operations are currently underway in the area to apprehend the fleeing militants and dismantle the remaining network. The bodies of the killed terrorists have been shifted to a hospital for legal formalities, while a case has been registered at the CTD police station in Quetta.

CTD authorities reiterated that operations against elements involved in undermining peace and security in Balochistan will continue without interruption.