Says eight killed as VBIED detonated while being prepared by terrorists; 10 more killed during clearance operation
Rawalpindi
Eighteen terrorists affiliated with Fitna Al Hindustan have been killed in separate incidents in Surab district of Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to ISPR, an under-preparation Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonated prematurely on the morning of August 12 while terrorists were preparing it. The blast killed eight terrorists and injured several others.
The explosion and secondary detonation of explosives stored at the site also reportedly resulted in the deaths of three nearby civilians.
Following the incident, security forces and Balochistan Police reached the site and launched a comprehensive joint clearance operation to track down the terrorists and their facilitators.
During the operation, security forces detected the movement of fleeing terrorists and engaged them, killing 10 more terrorists.
According to ISPR, a total of 18 terrorists affiliated with Fitna Al Hindustan have so far been eliminated in the incidents.
Two soldiers also sustained injuries during an intense exchange of fire.
Sanitisation operations are continuing in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue with full resolve to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
