Soldier martyred, 17 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations: ISPR

Security forces killed 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts, while a Pakistan Army soldier embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted on November 1 following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy groups Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.

In the first operation, security forces acted on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the Sanni area of Kachhi district. The forces foiled the terrorists’ attempt to establish a roadblock, killing 10 Indian-sponsored terrorists.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, the ISPR said.

In a separate operation in Kharan district, security forces raided a terrorist hideout, triggering an intense exchange of fire that resulted in the killing of seven Indian-sponsored Khawarij.

During the operation, Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, a resident of Karak district, fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom, the statement added.

Sanitisation operations are underway to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists present in the area.

The ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for eliminating 17 terrorists in the two operations and praised their timely action in foiling the attempt to block a road in Kachhi district.

He also lauded the forces for successfully targeting the terrorist hideout in Kharan, saying their professional expertise and preparedness had thwarted the terrorists’ nefarious designs.

The president expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Sepoy Hikmat Ullah and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

He said the soldier’s sacrifice in defence of the country and for the maintenance of peace and security would always be remembered.

President Zardari prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and strength and patience for his family.

He reaffirmed that counterterrorism operations would continue until the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored terrorism, adding that the sacrifices and relentless efforts of security forces and law enforcement agencies were a matter of national pride.