QUETTA: Pakistan’s military announced on Tuesday that its security personnel have eliminated 21 militants in separate engagements across Balochistan. The operations took place overnight between Monday and Tuesday in the districts of Chagai and Pishin, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In the Nokcha area of Chagai district, militants affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan reportedly set up an illegal checkpoint to intimidate travelers on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway. Security forces responded swiftly, engaging in an exchange of fire that resulted in the deaths of 11 militants. Authorities also recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the scene.
Meanwhile, in Pishin’s Ziarat Cross, militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated assault targeting the Customs House in an attempt to disrupt operations. Security forces fought back, killing 10 militants, with ongoing clashes involving fleeing insurgents that caused additional casualties, the military said.
The military characterized the Ziarat Cross attack as part of a broader “terror-crime nexus” aimed at obstructing customs officials’ duties and facilitating illegal activities in the region.
During the clashes, six security personnel and government officials lost their lives, including two officers and a Customs Department official, according to ISPR. The military added that sanitization operations are ongoing in the surrounding areas to root out any remaining militants.
Pakistan’s armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to the counter-terrorism initiative “Azm-e-Istehkam,” vowing to persist in their efforts to combat what they describe as terrorism backed and supported from abroad, with law enforcement agencies continuing their operations to restore stability in Balochistan.
