Security forces kill four terrorists in Mastung IBO: state media

Security forces killed four terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s state-run Mastung district Radio Pakistan reported Friday.

The operation comes a day after a District and Sessions Judge and his security guard were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle on the main road in Mastung, while another Sessions Judge and another person sustained serious injuries.

Following the attack, security forces and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area, launched a search operation and set up checkpoints at various locations to nab the attackers

Security sources said the operation was carried out under Operation Azm in Khad Kocha area of ​​Mastung where security forces conducted a successful operation against terrorists belonging Fitna al-Hindustanwhich is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army and other groups in the province.

Four terrorists were killed during the operation while a large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from them, the sources added. Security forces also seized motorcycles used by the terrorists.

The security sources added that there were confirmed reports that several other terrorists belong Fitna al-Hindustan was injured during the operation. According to the security sources, several suspects involved in facilitating the terrorists were also arrested during the operation.

They said search and clearance operations are still ongoing in the area, while security forces continue to maintain full surveillance.

Sources further said that intelligence-based operations in Khad Kocha had been intensified after the recent terrorist attacks in the area, adding that the operations would continue until terrorism is eliminated and peace and order is restored in the region.

Hailing the security forces for the successful operation in Mastung, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the professional capacity of the security forces to kill the four terrorists and said that they had foiled the dastardly plans of the terrorists through timely action.

“The entire nation stands with its brave security forces in the fight against terrorism,” the home minister said.

He added that the security forces were carrying out vigorous and effective operations against terrorists in Balochistan and claimed that the alleged link between Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij could not succeed in destroying the peace of Pakistan.

On Thursday, six terrorists were killed and several others arrested, including male and female suicide bombers, during another intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in Khad Kocha area of ​​Mastung district.

On Wednesday, security forces killed 10 terrorists and arrested two female suicide bombers and a facilitator during several intelligence-based operations in Balochistan.