Quetta: Security forces killed five militants and injured four others during an operation based on intelligence in Balochistan’s Washuk district, security serouces reported on Wednesday.

Militant hideouts were targeted with advanced weapons during the operation, conducted under Operation Raddul Fitna 3.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered. The terrorists belonged to Fitna al Hindustan (FaH) formerly known as Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the security forces in a statement on X following the operation.

He said operations would continue against militants seeking to disrupt peace and security and spread fear among people in Balochistan.

Zardari also said attempts by foreign patrons and local facilitators to support terrorism would be thwarted.

The Washuk operation follows several other security actions reported in the province in recent weeks.

Balochistan’s Home Department said the Counter Terrorism Department killed 10 militants in an operation in Barkhan district on October 10. Security forces also reported killing two militants in Chagai on September 29.

On September 27, the military’s media wing said more than 71 militants had been killed in Shaban and other areas of Balochistan.

Earlier in September, authorities reported operations in Awaran, Mastung, Nokcha, Chagai, Ziarat Cross and Pishin.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies recorded 89 militant attacks in Balochistan during August, compared with 83 in July, an increase of about seven per cent.

Its monthly assessment identified Balochistan as the province most affected by terrorism during that period.