ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's counterterrorism operations in Balochistan entered their seventh day on Saturday, with security sources saying 102 terrorists have been killed since July 5, including 64 during Operation Shaban, as security forces continued ground and aerial operations across the province.
According to security sources, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and Balochistan Police killed seven more terrorists in the latest phase of Operation Shaban, raising the operation's total to 64.
Earlier in the day, security sources said nine terrorists had been killed, increasing the Operation Shaban total to 52. Subsequent operations eliminated another five terrorists, taking the figure to 57.
In a separate intelligence-based operation near the N-25 crossing, security sources said forces killed two Fitna al Hindustan (BLA) terrorists and recovered weapons, hand grenades, a motorcycle, mobile phones, banned outfit flags and other materials.
According to security sources, 102 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan have been killed in Operation Shaaban and other intelligence-based operations conducted across Balochistan since July 5.
Pakistani authorities use the term "Fitna al-Khawarij" to refer to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), invoking a historical Islamic reference to underscore the group's attacks on civilians, security forces and state institutions. The term "Fitna al Hindustan" is officially used by Pakistan for the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which Islamabad says receiving external backing to carry out attacks aimed at destabilizing the country.
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 in the province.
Security sources said ground and aerial operations remain underway in Balochistan's rugged mountainous terrain and will continue until all terrorists are eliminated.
In a statement issued earlier on Saturday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and police for the progress of Operation Shaban.
"Our brave forces have crushed the enemy's nefarious designs," he said, adding that the sacrifices and achievements of the security forces for peace in Balochistan "will remain a golden chapter in history."
Naqvi said the complete eradication of terrorism remained a national priority and that "enemies of peace will find no place to hide anywhere."
The latest operational update came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti commended the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police for the progress of Operation Shaban and reaffirmed the state's commitment to continuing operations against terrorist groups.
