17 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Operations, Soldier Martyred: ISPR

Photo: ISPR via Dawn (Sepoy Hikmatullah, martyred in the Kharan operation)

Security forces killed 17 terrorists in two intelligence based operations in Balochistan, the military said on Tuesday. Ten were killed in Kachhi and seven in Kharan, while Sepoy Hikmatullah, 25, embraced martyrdom during the fighting in Kharan.

The operations were carried out on 1 November, according to the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). It said troops acted on reports that terrorists linked to what it calls Indian proxy groups were present in both districts.

In the Sanni area of Kachhi district, Dawn reported that security forces moved in after learning the terrorists planned to set up a roadblock. The attempt was stopped before it could take hold, and 10 terrorists were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site.

The second operation took place in Kharan district, where troops raided a terrorist hideout. Geo News reported that a heavy exchange of fire followed, and seven terrorists were killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered there.

Sepoy Hikmatullah, who belonged to Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was martyred in the Kharan exchange. The ISPR said clearance operations were still under way in both areas to find any terrorists left behind.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the forces for the two operations and paid tribute to the martyred soldier, saying his sacrifice for the defence of the homeland and for peace would always be remembered. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the troops and said the brave sons of the security forces are a source of pride for the nation.

The ISPR said the campaign would go on at full pace under Azm-e-Istehkam, the counterterrorism plan approved by the Federal Apex Committee, until foreign sponsored terrorism is wiped out from the country.

What this means for people in Balochistan is plain. These were targeted operations based on tip offs, not open battles in towns, and the military says the search in both districts is not over yet. For families in Kachhi and Kharan, the next few days will show whether the clearance work brings the area back to normal.

This is the latest in a run of security operations in the province, coming on the same day the blog reported two policemen martyred in Mohmand while on polio duty. It also follows the political debate over the future of the former tribal areas merger, and it sits against the wider strain on household budgets seen in the prime minister telling banks to speed up loans.

Sources

Dawn: Soldier martyred, 17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, ISPR

Geo News: 17 terrorists killed in two Balochistan IBOs, soldier martyred, ISPR

Business Recorder: Soldier martyred, 17 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations, ISPR

Watch for the ISPR update once the clearance operations in Kachhi and Kharan are complete.

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