Security forces kill 17 terrorists in Balochistan after Quetta train bombing

Security forces in Pakistan have eliminated 17 terrorists in Balochistan during intelligence-based operations conducted in the wake of a suicide car bomb attack on a train in Quetta. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Tuesday that the operations took place in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech.

The military's media wing stated that intense exchanges of fire led to the killing of the terrorists, who were described as belonging to "Indian-sponsored Fitna al Hindustan." This designation aims to highlight India's alleged involvement in terrorism and destabilization efforts within Pakistan. The ISPR reported the recovery of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the deceased militants, who were allegedly involved in numerous terrorist activities.

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Following intense and fierce exchanges of fire, 17 terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al Hindustan have been sent to hell, giving a significant blow to the terrorist networks operating in these areas.

The ISPR emphasized that sanitization operations are ongoing to eradicate terrorists from these areas. The statement affirmed that Pakistan's security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue their "relentless counter-terrorism campaign" under the vision of 'Azm e Istehkam' to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism. This campaign was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

This surge in counter-terrorism operations follows a resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Afghan administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but officials claim these appeals have been unheeded. Last month, a similar operation in Balochistan's Barkhan district resulted in the death of seven terrorists and the martyrdom of five soldiers.

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Sanitisation operations continue to eliminate terrorists from these areas, as [the] relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.