Kuwait city: 18 militants were killed in two separate operations carried out by Security Forces in Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan, announced the Pakistani army on Thursday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office stated that security forces conducted an intelligence operation in the Chiltan Mountains area of Quetta District in Balochistan. This operation, following a report of militants' presence, resulted in the deaths of 14 militants during an exchange of fire.
The statement further detailed that another intelligence operation was executed in the town of Buleda in the Kech District of Balochistan, leading to the deaths of four militants.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the courage and professionalism of the security forces in confronting anti-state elements that seek to "undermine peace and stability." They affirmed Pakistan's commitment to eradicating the threat of "terrorism." On Wednesday, the Pakistani army reported that seven militants and six Pakistani soldiers were killed during a security operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan.
Pakistan is experiencing an increase in armed attacks, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, both of which share a border with Afghanistan.