10 terrorists killed during IBO in Blaochistan’ Zhob IBO: ISPR
ISPR says weapons and ammunition were recovered from killed terrorists
ISLAMABAD: Security Forces killed ten terrorists belonging to the Indian-bakcked proxy group “Fitna Al Khawarij” during an intelligence-based Operation (IBO) in Zhob district of Balochistan, the Military media Wing said in a statement.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Zhob on February 24, during which eight militants described as Indian-sponsored “khawarij” were killed.
Following the operation, a comprehensive sanitisation drive was conducted in the area on February 25 to locate and eliminate remaining members allegedly linked to the group Fitna al Khawarij.
During the follow-up operation, security personnel tracked the militants across multiple routes and engaged them in a gun battle. After an exchange of fire, ten more militants were killed, the military stated.
The ISPR added that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the militants, who were reportedly involved in several terrorist activities in the region. Security operations are continuing to ensure that no other militants remain in the area.
The military reaffirmed that counter-terrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative — approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan — will continue to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their successful operation in Zhob district. In a statement, he described the killing of ten militants as evidence of the armed forces’ dedication and resolve.
The prime minister noted that significant progress has been made under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign in combating terrorism. He emphasized national unity in the fight against extremism, stating that the entire nation stands with the armed forces.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, PM Shehbaz pledged to eradicate all forms of terrorism from Pakistan.
In recent days, terrorist incidents have increased, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, raising security concerns in those regions. In response, security forces have intensified operations targeting militant groups, including those allegedly infiltrating from across the Afghan border.
A day earlier, security forces reported killing 34 militants affiliated with the banned Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan groups during separate intelligence-based operations in K-P and Balochistan.
The federal government has repeatedly raised concerns at international forums regarding militant sanctuaries operating in Afghanistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan — an issue it says has also been acknowledged by the United Nations Security Council.
