Security forces kill five terrorists, injure four in Washuk operation in Balochistan

Washuk: Security forces killed five terrorists and injured four others during an intelligence-based operation in the Palantak area of Washuk district in Balochistan on Wednesday, state media reported, citing security sources. The operation was carried out under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.

Hideouts targeted, weapons recovered

Security sources said the forces struck the militants’ hideouts and recovered modern weapons and ammunition during the operation. According to the sources, those killed had been involved in looting local residents and spreading fear in the area. Those claims come from security sources and have not been independently verified.

President, prime minister and interior minister pay tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the forces for the successful operation in Washuk and said effective action would continue against elements trying to disturb peace in Balochistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the personnel, saying operations would continue with full force until terrorism was eliminated from the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.

The operation comes amid a stepped-up counterterrorism campaign in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent months. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop militant groups from using Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan, an issue that remains a persistent source of tension between the two governments.