By The South Asia Times

QUETTA - At least 15 militants were killed during security operations against the terrorists in southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Saturday.

 

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said that security forces killed 15 militants in two intelligence-based operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan.

 

According to the statement, the operations were carried out on Thursday in Harnai District and Basima District following reports of militant presence in the areas.

 

During the first operation in Harnai, Pakistani troops targeted a suspected hideout of militants linked to groups described by the military as “Fitna al Khwarij.” After an intense exchange of fire, 12 militants were killed, the statement said.

 

In a separate operation in Basima, security forces tracked members of another militant network referred to as “Fitna al Hindustan.” The forces engaged the militants using a range of weapons, killing three of them after a firefight.

 

The military said weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in several attacks in the region.

 

Security forces have launched follow-up search operations to ensure no militants remain in the area.

 

Pakistan’s military said the operations are part of its ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative aimed at eliminating militancy and foreign-sponsored terrorism in the country.