RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military said on Saturday that security forces killed 24 suspected militants in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Four soldiers, including a major, were martyred during the operations.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said eight militants died in Balochistan, while another 16 were killed in North Waziristan.
Security forces began intelligence-based operations around Kolpur, Kardagap and Nushki on Friday. Troops also patrolled the Quetta-Taftan National Highway (N-40) to maintain security for local traffic.
During an operation overnight, troops killed eight suspected militants in Kolpur, including a suicide bomber, according to ISPR. Personnel recovered weapons and ammunition.
On Saturday, militants allegedly attacked military patrol vehicles using armed quadcopters. Major Omer Minhas Nasir from Chakwal and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan from Kotli Sattian lost their lives.
ISPR accused India of financing and equipping the militants, whom Pakistan identifies as Fitna al-Hindustan. The military also alleged that hostile intelligence agencies supported drone and explosive attacks.
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In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces conducted separate operations in Ali Khel, Mir Ali and Datta Khel.
ISPR reported killing 12 suspected militants in Ali Khel, including two Afghan nationals. Another four died during engagements in Mir Ali and Datta Khel. Havildar Asmat Ali, 43, from Swabi, and Naik Aftab Ali, 32, from Mardan, were martyred during the exchanges.
The military identified the armed group as Fitna al-Khawarij, its designation for militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Personnel recovered additional weapons and ammunition from the sites of the operation.
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President Asif Ali Zardari expressed condolences to the soldiers’ families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces and pledged continued action against militant groups.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the drone attack on the military convoy. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also praised the operations.
ISPR said clearance operations would continue across the affected areas under the Azm-i-Istehkam counterterrorism campaign.
