Army ‘successfully’ completes first phase of operation in southwestern Pakistan, kills 216 militants

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan’s army said Thursday it had killed more than 200 suspected militants during a six-day military operation across southwestern Balochistan province, as calm returned following last week’s deadly attacks.

The operations followed what the military described as attacks by militants at 12 locations across the province on Saturday.

The Balochistan Liberation Army, a militant group, claimed responsibility for last week’s attacks.

According to a statement from the army’s media wing, a total of 216 militants were killed during the operation, while another 68 people, including 22 law enforcement personnel, also died in clashes.

“Security forces have successfully concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan under which a series of coordinated, swift, and intelligence-driven operations were conducted against Indian-sponsored terrorist elements seeking to disrupt peace and development by targeting innocent civilians, including women and children,” the statement read.

Authorities recovered “a substantial cache of foreign-origin weapons, ammunition, explosives, and equipment,” it added.

“Preliminary analysis indicates systematic external facilitation and logistical support to these extremist proxies.”

The armed forces vowed to combat terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations,” adding that counterterrorism operations would continue with “full determination until the complete elimination of terrorist threats.”

Internet and mobile services, as well as train traffic, have been restored across the province after days-long suspensions.

Balochistan, a mineral-rich region and a key route for the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has long been plagued by militancy, with separatist groups seeking what they describe as the “liberation” of the province.