RAWALPINDI — Pakistan security forces killed seven militants during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Barkhan district on Tuesday, while five military personnel, including an army officer, were martyred during the exchange of fire, according to the military’s media wing.

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations said troops of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps Balochistan launched an area sanitization operation in the Nosham area of Barkhan district targeting militants described by the military as members of “Fitna Al Hindustan.”

The military said security forces engaged a group of militants during the operation, resulting in the deaths of seven suspected militants. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the site, according to the statement.

The ISPR said five security personnel were killed during the firefight. The deceased were identified as Major Tauseef Ahmed Bhatti, 31, from Pakpattan; Naik Fida Hussain, 36, from Sukkur; Sepoy Zakir Hussain, 32, from Skardu; Sepoy Suhail Ahmed, 21, from Khanewal; and Sepoy Muhammad Ayaz, 24, from Rahim Yar Khan.

Sanitization operation continues in Barkhan

The military said clearance operations were continuing in surrounding areas to locate any remaining militants.

Pakistan’s security forces have intensified counterterrorism operations in recent months under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy approved by the federal government’s Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

Balochistan has witnessed a rise in militant attacks targeting security personnel and infrastructure, prompting continued military and law enforcement operations across the province.

Also read: 13 Militants Killed in Foiled Infiltration Attempts Along Pakistan-Afghanistan Border: ISPR