8 terrorists killed, 2 soldiers martyred in Balochistan IBOs
Security forces have killed eight terrorists, including a suicide bomber, during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in different areas of Balochistan, while two Pakistan Army personnel, including a major, embraced martyrdom in a separate attack, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence-based operations against Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan have been underway since November 13 in Quetta, Kolpur, Qardgap and Nushki.
In a successful operation in Kolpur late at night, security forces killed eight terrorists and recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition from their possession. A suicide bomber was also among those killed, the statement said.
However, on November 14, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan targeted military vehicles on patrol using weaponised quadcopters, resulting in the martyrdom of two army personnel.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Major Omar Minhas Nasir and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan.
Major Omar belonged to Chakwal district, while Havildar Adnan was from Kotli Sattian, the ISPR said.
Security forces are also continuing patrols and area-dominance operations to ensure the security of the Quetta-Taftan National Highway (N-40) for local traffic.
The military’s media wing said India was continuously providing financial support and advanced equipment to Fitna al-Hindustan, adding that terrorists operating with the backing of Indian and other hostile intelligence agencies were using drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and modern technology to carry out attacks.
It said security forces were fully aware of the terrorists’ evolving tactics and would not allow them any operational freedom.
Clearance operations will continue in the affected areas until the terrorist threat is completely eliminated, the statement added.
The ISPR said counterterrorism operations would continue at full pace under the federal Apex Committee-approved vision Azm-e-Istehkam, in line with the National Action Plan.
It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
President, PM pay tribute to martyred soldiers
President Asif Ali Zardari praised security forces for killing eight terrorists in Balochistan and commended their professional capabilities.
He also paid tribute to Major Omar Minhas Nasir and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan and expressed condolences and sympathy to their bereaved families.
The president said the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces personnel in the fight against foreign-sponsored terrorism were a source of pride for the nation.
He added that such sacrifices strengthened the national resolve to eliminate terrorism, while cowardly attacks could not weaken the morale of security institutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended security forces for the successful intelligence-based operations against Fitna al-Hindustan in Kolpur, Qardgap and Nushki.
He paid tribute to Major Omar Minhas Nasir and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan, who were martyred while on routine patrol along the Quetta-Taftan National Highway.
The prime minister prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their bereaved families, saying the entire nation saluted their sacrifices.
He said enemies were attempting to undermine regional peace by targeting innocent civilians and security personnel, but Pakistan’s armed forces had the capability to thwart their designs.
Shehbaz Sharif said operations would continue with full force until foreign-sponsored terrorism was completely eliminated.
Earlier operations in North Waziristan
In a separate development, the ISPR had earlier announced that security forces killed 16 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in different areas of North Waziristan.
Twelve terrorists, including two Afghan nationals, were killed during an operation in Ali Khel, while four more militants were eliminated in operations in Mir Ali and Datta Khel.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed militants.
However, two Pakistan Army personnel, Havaldar Ismat Ali and Naik Aftab Ali, embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire.
Havaldar Ismat Ali belonged to Swabi, while Naik Aftab Ali was from Mardan.