18 Militants Killed in Counterterrorism Operation in Balochistan’s Surab: ISPR

QUETTA: A vehicle-borne explosive device prepared by militants in Balochistan’s Surab district detonated prematurely, killing eight militants and injuring several others, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The explosion, along with the detonation of additional explosives stored at the site, also claimed the lives of three civilians.

Following the incident, security forces and Balochistan Police launched a joint clearance operation in the area.

According to ISPR, security forces tracked the movement of militants who fled the scene and carried out a follow-up operation, killing 10 more militants.

The military’s media wing said a total of 18 militants affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan were killed during the Surab operation.

During an intense exchange of fire, two Pakistan Army soldiers were also wounded, ISPR said.

A sanitisation operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining militants and ensure the area is fully secured.

ISPR said security forces and law-enforcement agencies remain determined to intensify operations against terrorism allegedly backed by foreign elements.

The military reiterated that counterterrorism operations under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will continue until the complete elimination of terrorism from the country.