RAWALPINDI — Pakistan’s security forces killed 15 terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan on March 5, according to the military’s media wing.

In a statement issued on March 7, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the militants were affiliated with what it described as Indian-backed groups, including Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan.

The first operation was conducted in Harnai District after security forces received intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. Troops engaged a militant hideout during the raid, and after an intense exchange of fire, 12 militants were killed.

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In a separate intelligence-based operation in Basima, security forces tracked the presence of militants linked to Fitna al Hindustan. During the firefight that followed, three militants were killed, the statement added.

According to the ISPR, weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.

Security forces have launched sanitisation operations in the surrounding areas to ensure that no other militants remain present.

The military said Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign under the national security initiative “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism in the country.