RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 17 militants in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts on Nov. 1, while a soldier was martyred during an exchange of fire, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The military’s media wing said the operations targeted militants belonging to the groups it identified as Fitna Al Hindustan and Fitna Al Khawarij, which it described as Indian-sponsored terrorist groups.
In the first operation in the Sanni area of Kachhi district, security forces killed 10 militants and foiled their attempt to establish a roadblock in the city, the ISPR said.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.
In a separate intelligence-based operation in Kharan district, security forces raided a militant hideout and killed seven militants during an intense exchange of fire, the ISPR said.
Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, 25, a resident of Karak district, was martyred during the exchange of fire.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the hideout.
The ISPR said sanitization operations were underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the areas.
It said the counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
PM, President, interior minister praise security forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised security forces on Tuesday for killing 17 militants in two operations in Balochistan and paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, who was martyred during the operation in Kharan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for their successful operations against Indian-backed militants belonging to Fitna Al Hindustan in Kachhi and Kharan districts.
He paid tribute to security forces for killing 17 militants during the operations.
The prime minister also paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, who was martyred during the operation in Kharan district.
He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Sharif said security forces were achieving significant successes against terrorism under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative.
He said the government remained determined to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country.
Separately, President Zardari said the timely action by security forces foiled an attempt by militants to establish a roadblock in Kachhi district.
He said the professionalism and vigilance of security forces in thwarting militant activities were commendable.
The president also praised the operation against a militant hideout in Kharan district and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Sepoy Hikmat Ullah.
He said the soldier’s sacrifice for the country’s defense, peace and security would always be remembered.
Zardari extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and patience for his family.
He said operations under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
The president said the sacrifices and continued efforts of security forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism were a source of national pride.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised security forces for their successful operations against militants in Balochistan.
“I salute the security forces for eliminating 17 Indian-sponsored terrorists,” Naqvi said.
He said security forces had demonstrated professionalism in thwarting the militants’ plans.
The minister paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmat Ullah for sacrificing his life while fighting militants.
He said Hikmat Ullah had set an example of sacrifice for the country.
Naqvi said the brave personnel of security forces were a source of national pride and remained determined to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism.
He said the nation stood with security forces in the fight against terrorism.
