Balochistan Operations Leave 21 Militants Dead, Six Personnel Martyred

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed 21 militants in separate operations across Balochistan, while six security personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, were martyred in exchanges of fire, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In Nok Kacha, Chagai, security forces launched an operation against militants accused of setting up an illegal checkpoint along the N-40 highway. According to ISPR, the group was allegedly using the checkpoint to extort money from travelers and interfere with traffic. Eleven militants were killed during the operation, while weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered.

A separate operation was conducted in Ziarat Cross, Pishin, after militants allegedly attempted to attack a Customs House and obstruct officials from performing their duties. Security forces killed 10 militants during the ensuing exchange of fire.

ISPR said six personnel lost their lives in the fighting, including two officers and a Customs official. Clearance operations remain underway in the affected areas to locate any remaining militants and strengthen security along major highways and nearby communities.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the deaths of the security personnel and commended the forces for their efforts against militancy. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism would not be forgotten.

Balochistan government officials also welcomed the operations, describing the deaths of 21 militants as a demonstration of the state’s determination to counter terrorism and what officials described as links between militant activity and organised crime.

Separately, officials said security forces killed four militants in Awaran two days earlier during an operation conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. A substantial quantity of weapons was reportedly recovered from the militants.