Seventeen militants met their end and a brave soldier made the ultimate sacrifice as security forces moved swiftly across two districts in Balochistan. The operations, which unfolded in Kachhi and Kharan, struck at groups identified by authorities as foreign-backed proxies.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted two intelligence-based operations on November 1, targeting areas where militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were reported to be present. In the Sanni area of Kachhi district, forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to establish a roadblock through proactive action, killing 10 militants and recovering weapons and ammunition, Express Tribune reported. Geo News noted that Sepoy Hikmat Ullah belonged to Karak district.

In a separate operation in Kharan district, security forces busted a hideout, resulting in an intense exchange of fire that left seven Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan members dead, according to the ISPR. During the fierce gunfight, Sepoy Hikmatullah fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom, the military stated.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for successfully thwarting the militants' designs in Kachhi and Kharan, expressing deep grief over the martyrdom of Sepoy Hikmatullah, Express Tribune reported. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the security personnel for their successful actions against militants in the province.

Background

According to the ISPR, the federal government officially designated militant groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan last year, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy proxy war through these outfits, while Fitna al-Khawarij is the state term for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The operations were carried out under the counterterrorism campaign vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, the Express Tribune and Geo News reported.

Why it matters

These operations highlight the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan and the continuous measures taken by law enforcement agencies to maintain public order. The efforts of security forces aim to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism and secure vital transport routes and communities across the region, ensuring safety for ordinary citizens.

What's next

According to the ISPR, sanitisation operations were underway to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, and counterterrorism campaigns under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative will continue at full pace.