Pakistan’s security forces have killed more than 40 terrorists during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, according to security sources. The operation was launched after the deadly attack on the Mangi Dam police station and is being conducted jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police to eliminate militant networks operating in the province.
Security sources said that 17 more India backed terrorists were eliminated during the latest phase of the operation, bringing the total number of militants killed to 43. In a separate incident, security forces successfully repelled an attack on a police station in Khuzdar, where eight militants were killed during the counter operation carried out by the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps.
According to officials, Operation Shaban has resulted in the killing of 91 militants across Balochistan since July 5, including those eliminated in intelligence based operations. Security sources also revealed that five to six militants were killed during helicopter assisted operations targeting terrorist hideouts in remote areas.
Earlier this week, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that terrorists attacked the Mangi Dam checkpoint, where police personnel resisted bravely and killed 15 militants during the initial exchange of fire. He explained that terrorists had taken police officers hostage before security forces reached the scene, forcing troops to conduct a carefully planned operation to protect the captives.
The military spokesperson stated that 27 police personnel embraced martyrdom, while 26 terrorists were killed during the Mangi Dam operation. He added that security forces maintained pressure on the militants in the mountains of Ziarat, where the terrorists later martyred additional hostages after realizing they had been surrounded.
Addressing the Provincial Apex Committee in Quetta, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. He stated that Pakistan would continue operations until every terrorist is defeated and alleged that the country’s eastern neighbour was supporting terrorist activities using Afghan territory.
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated that the armed forces remain fully prepared to defeat terrorism and protect Pakistan’s national security. He emphasized that hostile attempts to destabilize the country would fail and that operations against terrorist networks would continue with full determination.
