ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed 13 “Indian-sponsored militants” in separate engagements in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and southwestern Balochistan provinces, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.

Security forces conducted a joint intelligence-based operation along with police, paramilitary Levies and district administration in KP’s Malakand district from July 16 till July 20, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.

During the operation, Pakistani security personnel skillfully surrounded and engaged the militant location and after intense fire exchanges, nine Indian-sponsored militants were killed and eight others apprehended.

“Two hideouts used by khwarij [militants] were also busted and a large quantity of weapons ammunition and explosives was recovered,” the ISPR said in a statement.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area.”

In a separate operation in Balochistan, Pakistani security forces four Indian-sponsored militants in the Kalat district, according to the ISPR.

“Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area,” it said.

Meanwhile, seven police personnel from two police stations were reportedly abducted in two separate incidents in KP’s South Waziristan district, local media reported, citing police. A search was ongoing for the missing law enforcers.

Pakistan is currently battling twin insurgencies: one led my religiously motivated groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), mainly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the other by ethno-nationalist Baloch separatist groups in Balochistan.

Islamabad accuses India of backing the separatists in Balochistan as well as religiously motivated militant groups, like the Pakistani Taliban, in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. India denies the allegations.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for successful operations against militants in Kalat and Malakand.

“This successful operation against terrorists is a perfect example of harmony between different institutions,” he said. “The entire nation stands with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.”