QUETTA
Security forces have killed 15 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in several areas of Balochistan, state media reported on Sunday. State-run Pakistan TV reported citing sources that the IBOs were carried out in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai, and Nushki under Operation Raddul Fitna 3.Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorists, it reported.
“The operations severely damaged the khawarij network and restricted their movement,” Pakistan TV said.The latest operations by the security forces in Balochistan take place as the province continues to face security challenges. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment released on July 31, the security situation deteriorated most significantly in Balochistan in the country last month.
The overall death toll increased by 241pc in Balochistan, from 109 in June to 372 in July, the report said.Security personnel deaths in Balochistan increased from six in June to 62 in July, representing a rise of 933pc. Terrorist deaths rose from 75 to 238, while civilian deaths increased by 93pc, from 28 to 54. Eighteen members of peace committees were also killed in the province.
Last month, security forces and law enforcement personnel jointly launched Operation Shaban in Balochistan in retaliation for a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat on July 6. During that assault, armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers.
On July 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the country’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular decision” to end terrorism after multiple major terrorist incidents in Balochistan. He made the remarks at a meeting in Quetta of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also present.
Meanwhile, A constable was martyred and another sustained bullet wounds while on duty in an attack in the Saeedkhel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district on Sunday, police said. District police officer’s spokesperson Qudratullah Khan told Dawn that the cops were attacked near the Saeedkhel graveyard, in the limits of the City Police Station.
“The terrorists opened fire on the rider squad personnel while they were patrolling the area,” he said, adding that Constable Sajidullah lost his life in the attack while Constable Muhammad Waqas was seriously wounded. The body of the deceased constable and the injured policeman were taken to the Government City Hospital, he said.
Meanwhile, a large police contingent reached the site of the attack, surrounded the area and launched a search for the assailants, he said. Security personnel and law enforcers have been coming under attack in KP, which continues to face terrorism.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment released on July 31, security personnel deaths in terrorism incidents in KP, excluding merged districts, increased from 12 in June to 38 in July and terrorist deaths from 37 to 108, reflecting a rise by 192pc. But civilian deaths fell from 26 to seven, a decline by 73pc. One peace committee member was also killed.
