Security forces killed three terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Badrang area of Balochistan’s Awaran district, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.

A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the possession of the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan, according to security sources cited by Radio Pakistan.

Fitna al Hindustan is a term designated by the state for terrorist organisations in Balo­chistan.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised security forces for the “successful operation conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3”, state-run APP reported.

In a statement, the minister said the operation reflected the capability and commitment of the forces in dealing with security threats.

He affirmed that security forces remain determined to maintain peace in Balochistan and continue efforts to counter terrorism. He noted that personnel deployed in different areas of the province were carrying out their responsibilities with commitment and resolve.

Naqvi noted that security forces had once again foiled terrorists’ plans through timely action.

The minister further said that the complete elimination of terrorists and their facilitators was the demand of the entire nation. He said all institutions were working toward this objective, and efforts will continue to address security challenges.

Terror attacks in Balochistan

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.

Last month, the number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

On the night of Aug 31-Sept 1, terrorists of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House, located at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway, in the Pishin district.

In retaliatory action, security forces killed 10 terrorists while two officers were among six martyred in the fire exchange, according to the military’s media affairs wing.

Also on August 31, 11 terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan, who had blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion in Chagai’s Nokcha area, were killed following an intense exchange of fire.

On September 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists in the Kalat district during an IBO. Days later, the troops killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate IBOs in Kharan and Washuk districts.

Another 36 terrorists were eliminated during multiple “high-tempo” operations conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on September 4. These also included thwarting an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.

On Monday, nine terrorists, including a key commander of a banned outfit, were killed by security forces and the Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department in two separate operations in Mastung, Pishin and Qila Abdullah districts.