A major terrorist plot was foiled in Balochistan after the Levies Force and district administration in Ziarat arrested five militants belonging to Afghanistan during a coordinated intelligence-based operation, officials said on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner Ziarat confirmed that the suspects, reportedly residents of Kandahar, were detained at the Spera Ragha Levies check post before they could execute a planned attack in the district. He said the operation was launched following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of all five militants without exchange of fire.
A substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and communication equipment was recovered from their possession. The seized items include 11 hand grenades, three SMGs, two M4 rifles in parts, a grenade launcher, nine M4 magazines, 14 SMG magazines, 420 SMG rounds, 230 M4 rounds, one kilogram of explosive material, six wireless sets, four mobile phones, two RPGs, a dagger, 13 ammunition bags, 16 power cells, 15 SMG grenades, as well as a Suzuki Carry van, a motorcycle, and literature linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti lauded the swift and successful operation, praising the performance of the Deputy Commissioner, the Levies Force, and the district administration. He said the timely action of security institutions embodies the commitment to protecting the people of Balochistan.
The chief minister added that such operations play a decisive role in defeating anti-state elements and ensuring peace in the province. He reiterated that the Government of Balochistan is utilising all available resources to strengthen stability and stands firmly behind law-enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.
