Security forces killed 10 Indian-backed terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the hilly area of Aghbarg, on the outskirts of Quetta, late Tuesday night, officials said.
Express News, citing security sources, reported the operation was launched after credible intelligence indicated the presence of a terrorist formation in the Ghaza Band mountains. The group was reportedly linked to banned outfits and accused of involvement in multiple past attacks.
When forces surrounded the area, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a two-hour gun battle. Ten terrorists were killed, several of whom were later identified as suspects in a previous terrorist attack.
Two security personnel sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and were shifted to a military hospital in Quetta. Medical officials said their condition is out of danger. No civilian casualties were reported.
Recovered weapons included AK-47 rifles, grenades, rocket launchers, heavy machine guns and a large cache of ammunition. Security officials said the material was intended for future attacks.
The bodies of the terrorists were moved from the site, with blood samples and fingerprints collected for further investigation.
The operation, involving the Frontier Corps (FC), Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies, follows a surge in militant violence in Balochistan.
Officials said the area around Aghbarg was sealed during the raid to prevent escape.
The Balochistan government praised the operation as timely and successful, while the ISPR reiterated that security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism nationwide. Security measures have since been tightened across the province.
Read: Bomber wreaks carnage in Quetta
Yesterday, at least 11 people, including two paramilitary soldiers, were martyred when a suicide bomb blast ripped through the Pishin Stop area near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Quetta, triggering a gun battle in which security forces killed six terrorists, officials said.
The blast occurred as security forces launched an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against Fitna al-Hindustan in the Zehri area of the Khuzdar district, killing seven Indian-proxy terrorists and injuring at least 10 others, according to sources.
Security officials said the terrorists tried to storm the FC headquarters in the Balochistan capital. One of them detonated himself near a checkpoint. In the ensuing exchange of fire, security forces killed six terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.
