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Pakistan’s military says that it has killed eight “terrorists” in intelligence operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Mastung districts, reports Pakistani daily Dawn.
The country’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said it had conducted the “intelligence-driven” operations on Jun 25 and Jun 26 as part of its counter-terror campaign to eliminate groups like the Balochistan-based Fitna al Hindustan.
The Pakistan government has designated the group as a terrorist organisation and tied it to India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation efforts across Pakistan.
ISPR says that security forces in Balochistan noted the movement of the “terrorist group” on Jun 25.
“As a result of precise and skilful engagement, three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Hindustan were sent to hell while several were injured,” it said.
On Jun 26, another operation was conducted in Mastung against the “possible presence of a suicide bomber”.
The ISPR said that during the operation, troops found the group’s location and killed five terrorists, including a suicide bomber, in an intense exchange of fire.
“Weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and motorbikes used by these terrorists were also recovered,” it said.
The statement added that operations were being conducted to eliminate any other “Indian-sponsored terrorists” found in the area.
President Asif Ali Zardari hailed the security forces for the successful operations, saying that they demonstrated their professionalism and determination.
“Operations should continue until the complete eradication of foreign-sponsored terrorism in the country,” he said in a statement from his office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute as well.
“Our struggle will continue until the complete eradication of all forms of terrorism from Pakistan,” he said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“The enemies of Pakistan’s peace will be given a crushing defeat on every front.”
A Pakistani soldier and 14 “terrorists” were killed in another security operation in Balochistan’s Basima on Jun 9, the ISPR said.
On Jun 2, it said that security forces had killed 17 during operations in different Balochistan districts after a suicide bomb attack on a shuttle train in Quetta that killed 14.