Security forces kill 11 terrorists during IBOs in Balochistan's Kharan, Washuk districts: ISPR

Security forces killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives in separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kharan and Washuk districts, the military’s media affairs wing said on Wednesday.

According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces conducted the IBOs in Kharan and Washuk on September 6 and 7, respectively, on the “reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan and neutralised 11 Indian-sponsored terrorists”.

The state uses the term Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

The ISPR said terrorists attempted to establish a roadblock in Kharan and disrupted local traffic on Sunday. “The security forces promptly intercepted and engaged the terrorists, whereby, killing eight Indian sponsored terrorists,” it added.

The forces conducted another “deliberately planned” IBO in Washuk district on Monday on reports of the presence of terrorists, the statement said.

“During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively busted terrorists’ hideout and after an intense fire exchange, three terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR said, adding that security forces recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives being used for preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

It further said that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate “any other Indian-sponsored terrorist” found in the area.

The ISPR reaffirmed that the security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue the “relentless counterterrorism campaign” under Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, to wipe out the “menace of foreign-sponsored and -supported terrorism from the country”.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces’ professional skills for thwarting the “nefarious designs” of the terrorists, his ministry said.

He saluted the security forces for eliminating the terrorists and said they were determined to eradicate the Indian-sponsored terrorists, the interior ministry said in a post on X.

“The brave sons of the security forces are a source of pride for the nation and it stands with them in the fight against terrorism,” Naqvi was quoted as saying.