Rawalpindi: Seventeen militants were killed, and a Pakistan Army soldier was martyred during two intelligence based operations in Balochistan's Kachhi and Kharan districts, the military's media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations took place on 1 November after intelligence reports indicated militants were present in the two districts.
The military identified the groups involved as Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, terms used by Pakistani authorities for Balochistan based militant organisations and for militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek I Taliban Pakistan (TTP), respectively.
ISPR also accused the militants of receiving support from India. The allegation could not be independently verified.
Ten militants killed in Kachhi operation
The first operation took place in the Sanni area of Kachhi district, where security forces reportedly prevented militants from setting up a roadblock.
According to ISPR, 10 militants were killed in the operation, and weapons and ammunition were recovered.
The military said its personnel acted before the militants could establish control over the road.
Seven killed in Kharan, soldier martyred
In a separate intelligence based operation in Kharan district, security forces targeted a suspected militant hideout.
ISPR said seven militants were killed following an exchange of fire.
During the operation, Sepoy Hikmatullah, 25, a resident of Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was martyred.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the location.
The military said follow up clearance operations were underway in both areas to locate any remaining militants.
Government leaders condemn militancy
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the operations and paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmatullah.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces and offered condolences to the bereaved family.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the personnel involved and reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating militant violence.
The military said counterterrorism operations would continue under the Azm e Istehkam initiative, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.
Despite the reduction in attacks, militant activity and abductions remain significant security challenges in Baluchistan.
ISPR said operations would continue to target militant networks and to prevent further attacks.
