Security forces killed five Indian-sponsored terrorists during an operation in Kohlu district, Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Friday. The operation is part of Pakistan’s ongoing campaign against foreign-supported terrorism.
Intelligence-Based Operation Neutralises Terrorists
The ISPR said authorities conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on December 25 after receiving reports about terrorist activity in the area.
During the operation, security forces engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight. All five terrorists were killed. Officials also recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the site.
After the gunfight, security teams carried out a sanitisation operation to remove any remaining terrorists in the vicinity.
Azm-e-Istehkam Campaign to Continue
The ISPR emphasized that the counterterrorism campaign under “Azm-e-Istehkam” will continue at full pace. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain determined to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
The operation in Kohlu came a day after forces neutralised eight terrorists in Kalat district. That operation, also an IBO, targeted Indian-sponsored terrorists reported in the area on December 24.
Rising Terrorism Linked to Cross-Border Threats
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan since the Afghan Taliban took power in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop terrorist groups from using Afghan soil to attack Pakistan.
Cross-border terrorism also triggered week-long clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October. Earlier this month, Islamabad issued a demarche to the Afghan Taliban, expressing concern over their support for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan Asserts Right to Defend Sovereignty
The Foreign Office summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission on December 19 after four Pakistani soldiers died in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan.
Authorities warned that continued Afghan support enables terrorists to attack Pakistan’s military and civilians along the border. Islamabad stated that it reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect citizens. The government said it will take all necessary measures against terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
