Key Daesh commander killed in SW Pakistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistani forces on Saturday killed a key Daesh commander during an encounter in the restive Balochistan province, official media reported.

The terrorist known as Shukrullah, who was behind several suicide bombings in the northwestern Balochistan province, was killed in an exchange of fire with counter-terrorism forces in Netral in Dera Murad Jamali, state-run Radio Pakistan reported

The Daesh commander was the facilitator and mastermind behind several recent attacks in Balochistan.

Security forces also recovered hand grenades, a suicide jacket, and other arms and ammunition from the slain terrorist.

On June 26, three suicide bombers stormed a police compound in Balochistan’s remote Loralai district, killing one policeman and injuring two.

The large Balochistan province, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is strategically important thanks its copper, zinc, and natural gas reserves, but has been beset by violence for over six decades.

The province is also a key route of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- a part of Beijing's ambitious One Belt, One Road project.

Various sectarian outfits, including the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, have also been active in the region for the last decade, especially in Quetta.