Web Desk: Pakistani security forces killed two suspected terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Chagai district late Saturday, foiling an alleged plot to attack Dalbandin Airport, pilgrims’ convoys and commercial transport facilities, according to security sources.
The operation took place near Dhadhar Nala along the Quetta-Taftan highway (N-40), where Frontier Corps (FC) personnel intercepted two armed suspects believed to be conducting reconnaissance ahead of possible attacks.
Security sources said the suspects opened fire on security personnel before attempting to escape into a nearby seasonal watercourse. Both were killed in the ensuing exchange of gunfire.
The sources also rejected reports circulating on social media that Dalbandin Airport had come under attack, saying the operation targeted suspected militants before they could carry out their alleged plans.
According to security sources, law enforcement agencies had received intelligence in recent days about suspected plans by individuals allegedly associated with the banned militant network described by authorities as Fitna-e-Hindustan (FAH).
The potential targets reportedly included Dalbandin Airport, a rest area used by pilgrims travelling to and from Iran, and a staging area for commercial trucks operating along the strategically important Quetta-Taftan route.
Acting on the intelligence, a special team from the Frontier Corps’ Dalbandin Rifles launched an operation in the Dhadhar Nala area at approximately 11:30 p.m. on November 14.
Security sources said the FC team encountered two armed individuals near Dhadhar Landi on the N-40 highway at approximately 11:35 p.m., shortly after the operation began.
The suspects allegedly opened fire after spotting the security personnel and attempted to escape in separate directions through the nearby watercourse under cover of darkness.
However, security personnel immediately returned fire and pursued the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, two reserve counterterrorism teams arrived at the scene and secured the surrounding area, blocking possible escape routes.
Following an exchange of gunfire, security forces killed both suspects, according to the operational account.
Security personnel subsequently searched the area and recovered weapons, ammunition and other equipment reportedly belonging to the suspects.
Security sources said the recovered supplies suggested that the suspects had travelled with equipment that could support movement and preparations for a possible operation.
The operation also prompted clarification over reports suggesting that terrorists had directly attacked Dalbandin Airport.
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