Quetta:

Pakistan’s security forces killed 15 terrorists during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Harnai and Basima districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

In a statement released on Saturday, the military’s media wing said the operations targeted militants linked to Indian-backed terrorist networks.

According to the ISPR, an intelligence-based operation was conducted in Harnai district after reports of the presence of militants associated with Fitna al Khawarij. During the operation, security forces engaged the militants’ hideout and, after an intense exchange of fire, 12 terrorists were killed.

In a separate operation in the Basima district, security forces tracked militants linked to Fitna al Hindustan. Troops effectively engaged the suspects using mixed-calibre weapons, killing three terrorists after a fierce gun battle.

Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the militants, who were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities.

The statement added that sanitisation operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.

Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to continuing counter-terrorism efforts under the Azm-i-Istehkam strategy, aimed at eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Earlier this week, security forces also carried out an intelligence-based operation in Bannu, targeting suspected militants in the Domel tehsil. Last month, authorities reported that 34 terrorists were killed in multiple operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.