Security forces have eliminated 21 terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khwarij in multiple operations in Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted in the areas of Nochka in Chagai district and Ziarat Cross in Pishin district during the night between August 31 and September 1.
The ISPR said that on August 31, terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to establish an illegal checkpoint along the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway to disrupt peaceful movement and extort money from travelers.
Security forces responded immediately, engaging the terrorists in an intense exchange of fire and eliminating 11 of them. A substantial quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the terrorists, according to the ISPR.
In another incident during the night between August 31 and September 1, terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khwarij launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to enter the Customs House.
Security forces mounted an effective response and eliminated 10 terrorists in the ensuing exchange of fire. The ISPR said fleeing terrorists were also targeted, resulting in further casualties among the attackers.
The military’s media wing described the attack on the Customs House as a manifestation of the nexus between terrorism and organized crime, saying the objective was to prevent customs officials from performing their lawful duties and facilitate ongoing illegal activities in the area.
Six personnel, including two officers and a Customs Department official, were martyred while performing their duties during the exchange of fire, according to the ISPR.
Clearance and sanitization operations are continuing in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the security of local communities and key national highways.
The ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign being conducted under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, would continue with full resolve.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain determined to eliminate terrorism backed and supported by foreign actors, the ISPR said.
