ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed an additional 22 militants during ongoing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan.
Officials said the militants were neutralised in a late-night follow-up operation and were linked to the group known as Fitna al-Hindustan. With these latest casualties, the total number of terrorists killed over the past three days has risen to 177.
Security agencies stated that extensive cordon-and-search operations are underway across the province to target militants and their facilitators. Authorities added that further losses among terrorist networks are expected as the crackdown continues.
The operations come in response to a large-scale wave of coordinated terrorist attacks that hit several districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kharan and Pasni. The attacks involved armed assailants as well as suicide bombers.
Earlier, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that 145 terrorists were killed by security forces following the attacks carried out on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta on Sunday, Bugti said intelligence agencies had already warned of potential attacks and praised security forces for their swift and courageous response.
The chief minister expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives, stating that the government would take full responsibility for the welfare and education of the martyrs’ children.
Bugti also condemned the killing of five women and three children in Gwadar, describing it as an inhumane act against civilians. He alleged that the attackers were attempting to destabilise Pakistan under foreign influence, adding that such groups lack the capacity to control even a single union council.
