Security forces kill 15 terrorists in Balochistan IBOs: state media

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. Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists.

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.