By Our Correspondent
QUETTA: Security forces have killed three more terrorists during the latest phase of Operation Shaban, bringing the total number of terrorists killed in the ongoing operation to 88 since July 5, according to security officials.
The joint counterterrorism campaign, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan, and the Balochistan Police, was launched after the deadly attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station in Ziarat district. Operations have since expanded to several parts of the province as security forces continue efforts to dismantle terrorist networks.
Officials said troops carried out coordinated air and ground operations on Wednesday, targeting suspected terrorist hideouts. Three terrorists were killed during the latest action, while search and clearance operations remain underway.
The operation followed last week’s attack in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, where terrorists ambushed police personnel. The assault claimed the lives of nine police officers, including two station house officers (SHOs). Several civilians and police personnel were also abducted during the attack, prompting security forces to launch an intensified counterterrorism campaign across Balochistan.
According to security officials, 126 terrorists have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across Balochistan since July 5.
Officials said security forces have destroyed several terrorist hideouts during the ongoing campaign and continue operations in areas where terrorists are believed to be active.
They added that Operation Shaban will continue until terrorist networks operating in the province are dismantled and security objectives are fully achieved.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police for the latest operation, commending the security forces for eliminating three more terrorists during the ongoing campaign.
