Five militants killed during operation in Balochistan: ISPR

RAWALPINDI (RNN TV) — Five militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Pishin district, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Monday.

According to the ISPR statement, security forces conducted the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of armed militants in the area. Troops engaged the group in a heavy exchange of fire, during which one suicide bomber detonated himself. The remaining four militants were killed in the ensuing operation.

Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the site. A sanitisation operation was launched to clear the area and ensure no additional militants were present.

The ISPR said that counterterrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy would continue in coordination with law enforcement agencies to address militancy and enhance security across the country.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan, have witnessed a rise in militant activity since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Earlier this month, the banned group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks in several parts of Balochistan. According to the ISPR, those attacks resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians and 22 security personnel.

In response, security forces launched Operation Raddul Fitna 1, during which, the military said, at least 216 militants were killed in a series of engagements and clearance operations.

On January 31, attacks targeting civilians were reported in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni. The incidents drew condemnations from several countries and international organisations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, France, Canada, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations Security Council.