RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Kalat district, while a Pakistan Army officer embraced martyrdom in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack during a separate clearance operation in Gwadar district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing on October 19, intelligence agencies had reported the presence of multiple hideouts of what the ISPR described as Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Hindustan in Jattakabad, Kalat district, and Shadi Kaur in Pasni tehsil of Gwadar district.
The ISPR said security forces launched operations in both areas to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure the safety of the local population.
In the first operation, conducted on October 18 in the Jattakabad area of Kalat, security forces engaged a terrorist hideout following intelligence reports.
During an intense exchange of fire, four terrorists were killed, while a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the area, the statement said.
In a separate incident, security forces conducted a series of clearance operations in the Shadi Kaur area of Pasni tehsil, Gwadar district.
During one of these operations, the leading military contingent, commanded by Major Wajahat Waheed, was targeted by an improvised explosive device.
Major Wajahat Waheed, 34, a resident of Lahore, embraced martyrdom while performing his duties, according to the ISPR.
The military’s media wing paid tribute to the fallen officer, describing his sacrifice as part of the security forces’ continuing efforts to protect the country and its people from terrorism.
The ISPR said sanitisation operations were continuing in the affected areas to locate and eliminate any remaining terrorists.
It reaffirmed that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue with full determination.
The statement further reiterated the commitment of Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies to eliminating what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.