According to ISPR, security forces conducted intelligence-based operations in Nokcha in Chagai district and Ziarat Cross in Pishin district, targeting militants involved in terrorist and criminal activities.
In the first operation, militants affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan had established a checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway and were allegedly attempting to extort money from passengers. Security forces launched an operation and killed 11 militants.
In another operation, militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij attacked a Customs House. Security forces responded effectively, killing 10 militants in the ensuing exchange of fire.
ISPR said the attack on the Customs House was a clear example of a nexus between terrorism and criminal activities. The militants allegedly sought to prevent customs officials from carrying out their lawful duties and facilitate ongoing criminal activities in the area.
Six personnel were martyred during the exchange of fire, including two officers and a Customs official. ISPR said the personnel sacrificed their lives while defending the country and performing their duties.
The military’s media wing said indiscriminate counterterrorism operations would continue under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework, with security forces remaining committed to eliminating terrorist elements and maintaining peace and security across the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for killing 21 militants during operations in Chagai and Pishin.
The president also praised the forces for foiling the attack on the Customs House and preventing militants from establishing an illegal checkpoint on the Quetta-Taftan Highway to disrupt the movement of passengers.
Zardari commended the professionalism of the security forces in conducting operations against militants affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
He also expressed grief over the martyrdom of six personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, during the counterterrorism operations.
The president said the martyrs had set a great example in defending the country by sacrificing their lives while performing their duties.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the security forces for what he described as successful operations against militants affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 in Balochistan.
Naqvi praised the forces’ success against the militants and said their sacrifices and services in the fight against terrorism were highly commendable.
