ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's security forces killed four more terrorists during the eighth day of ongoing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, taking the number killed under Operation Shaban to 71, while 109 terrorists have been killed in operations across the province since July 5, according to security sources.
The Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and Balochistan Police, sources said, killed four more terrorists during ground and air operations in the Saran Tangi area, raising the total number eliminated under Operation Shaban to 71.
Security sources said 109 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations across Balochistan since July 5.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including M4 rifles, submachine guns, rocket launchers, mobile phones and other equipment, according to security sources.
Pakistani authorities use the term Fitna al-Khawarij to refer to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al Hindustan is the official term used for the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which Islamabad says receives external backing to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Operation Shaban was launched following the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat district and forms part of a broader counterterrorism campaign underway across Balochistan after coordinated attacks targeted civilians, police personnel and security forces at multiple locations across the province.
Separately on Sunday, security sources said five civilians from Punjab were martyred after BLA terrorists opened fire at a barber shop in Mashkel Bazaar in Washuk district. The victims included two barbers from Pasrur, Sialkot, one resident of Narowal, and two laborers from Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan.
Security sources later said another five terrorists were killed after security forces established a blocking position during overnight operations to intercept fleeing militants. They said troops recovered M4 rifles, submachine guns, rockets, a night-vision device, communication equipment and motorcycles during the operation.
Security sources said ground and aerial operations remain underway across Balochistan and will continue until all terrorists are eliminated.
In a statement issued earlier on Sunday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps Balochistan and police for the latest gains in Operation Shaban.
"Pakistan Army, FC Balochistan and Police's joint operations reflect the nation's resolve to safeguard national security," Naqvi said.
He paid tribute to the officers and personnel participating in Operation Shaban, saying, "There is no place on Pakistan's soil for terrorist elements."
Naqvi added that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its security forces and that operations against terrorists "are continuing with full force and will continue."
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti visited Bebri village in Hanna Urak, where he reviewed Operation Shaban, met police personnel participating in the operation and praised their bravery, professionalism and determination.
The chief minister also visited the families of civilians martyred in the Hanna Urak terrorist attack, offered condolences and assured them of the provincial government's continued support.
"The sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain," Bugti said, adding that operations against terrorists and their facilitators would continue "until terrorism is completely eliminated from Balochistan."
Later in the day, FC commandant and wing commanders visited the families of martyred personnel in Ziarat and surrounding areas, offering condolences and reaffirming support for the bereaved families.
