Islamabad [Pakistan], August 11 : At least five militants, including a key commander, were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Panjgur district of Balochistan, according to a report by Dawn citing state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
The operation was conducted in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas as part of Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3, the report said.
According to security sources, the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation against "Fitna al Hindustan" militants in Sarkani and Chedgi areas of Panjgur, killing five militants, including a key "Fitna al Hindustan" commander, Wazir, Dawn reported, citing Radio Pakistan.
"Fitna al-Hindustan" is a propaganda term used by the Pakistani military to blame India for internal revolts in the neighbouring country.
Security forces also recovered four motorcycles, machine guns, heavy weapons and ammunition from the slain militants, the report added.
The militants were allegedly involved in robbery, extortion, kidnapping and attacks targeting local traders and other residents in Panjgur.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as reported by Dawn citing APP, lauded the security forces for carrying out the operation successfully. He credited their professionalism and operational capabilities, adding that the strike had disrupted the militants' designs and dealt a major setback to their activities in the area.
The latest operation comes a day after security forces killed 15 militants in multiple IBOs across Balochistan. The operations were carried out in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3, according to state media.
Balochistan continues to face mounting security challenges. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies' (PICSS) monthly assessment released on July 31, the province saw the sharpest deterioration in security last month.
The overall death toll in Balochistan jumped 241% in July, from 109 in June to 372. Security personnel deaths rose from 6 to 62, a 933% increase. Militant deaths climbed from 75 to 238, while civilian deaths increased 93%, from 28 to 54. Eighteen members of peace committees were also killed.
Last month, security forces and law enforcement 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, when armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers.