ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces killed 10 militants in separate intelligence-based operations in southwestern Balochistan over the past 48 hours, the military said on Wednesday, taking the number of militants killed since the launch of Operation Shaban this month to 139.
Operation Shaban was launched jointly on July 5 by the army, paramilitary and police forces after a wave of militant attacks in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated and developed province. The area has for decades been the site of a separatist insurgency, with militant groups targeting security forces, government installations and Chinese interests involved in infrastructure and mining projects. The province has also seen attacks claimed by Daesh’s regional affiliate.
In a statement, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said security forces carried out multiple intelligence-based search and targeted operations in Surab and Mastung districts in the last two days.
“During the conduct of these operations, security forces effectively engaged the terrorist locations, killing seven terrorists in District Surab,” the statement said.
“Three terrorists were killed and two female Suicide Bombers along with facilitator were also apprehended in District Mastung belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al Hindustan.”
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices from the militants, according to the statement.
The military said follow-up sanitization operations were continuing to clear the area of any remaining militants and their facilitators.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting separatist militant groups operating in Balochistan, an allegation New Delhi denies.
