Web Desk: Security forces killed 12 suspected terrorists in two intelligence-based operations conducted over two days in Balochistan province, the military’s media wing said on Thursday, as authorities intensified their counterterrorism campaign under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were carried out on Aug. 5 and 6 in the districts of Washuk and Mastung following intelligence reports on militant activity.
The military said security forces detected the movement of six suspected terrorists in Washuk district on Aug. 5 and launched an operation based on actionable intelligence.
Troops engaged the suspects during the operation, killing all six after what the military described as a precise engagement.
In a separate intelligence-led operation on Aug. 6, security forces targeted another group of suspected terrorists in Mastung district.
The ISPR said six terrorists were killed during an intense exchange of fire, while a terrorist hideout was also destroyed during the operation.
The military identified the slain militants as members of what it referred to as “Fitna Al Hindustan,” a term Pakistani authorities use for terrorist groups they allege receive support from India. India has consistently rejected such allegations.
The operations formed part of the ongoing Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3, a nationwide intelligence-driven counterterrorism campaign targeting terrorist networks.
The ISPR said Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Pakistan has stepped up intelligence-based operations in recent months amid a resurgence in terrorist attacks, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, where security forces have intensified efforts to dismantle armed groups.
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