Security forces have gunned down four India-sponsored terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the operation was conducted on Dec 26 on “reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.”
“During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the Khwarij [terrorists] location, and after an intense fire exchange, four India-sponsored Khwarij were [killed],” the ISPR said.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. A sanitisation operation was conducted following the fire exchange to eliminate any other India-sponsored terrorists found in the area.
The ISPR said the relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam” by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
The operation came just a day after security forces neutralised five terrorists in Balochistan’s Kohlu district.
Separately, Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, on Saturday praised the security forces for their successful operation against Khawarij militants in Panjgur, commending their bravery, professionalism, and timely action.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said the operation resulted in the elimination of Khawarij terrorists, foiling their anti-state designs. He described the action as clear evidence of the forces’ high-level training, discipline, and unwavering resolve.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the professional capabilities and sacrifices of the security forces are a source of pride for the entire nation. He noted that at this critical stage in the fight against terrorism, the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their security forces.
Pakistan has witnessed a notable increase in terrorist attacks, particularly in the bordering provinces of KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban regime grabbed power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan soil to carry out attacks in Pakistan.