QUETTA: Security forces have killed 39 militants during the ongoing Operation Shabaan in Balochistan, launched after a terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police station, according to security sources.
The operation is being conducted by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police in difficult mountainous areas, with forces carrying out ground and aerial actions against militants identified by security officials as Fitna al Khawarij.
Security sources said 26 militants were killed on July 6 and 7 during the initial phase of the operation, while 13 more were eliminated in the last 24 hours as security forces expanded their operations in the region.
Security forces intensify operations in mountainous terrain
According to security sources, the security forces have tightened the cordon around suspected militant hideouts in remote and challenging areas, using intelligence-based operations along with ground and helicopter-supported actions.
Officials said multiple operations are continuing as part of Operation Shabaan to target militant positions and prevent further attacks.
Separately, security forces also foiled an attempted attack on a police station in the Zaidi area of Khuzdar on Thursday morning, according to security sources.
The sources said a rapid response by Army and FC personnel resulted in the killing of eight militants, while reports indicated that five to six more militants were targeted during helicopter operations.
75 militants killed in operations since July 5
Security sources further claimed that a total of 75 militants have been killed since July 5 during Operation Shabaan and other intelligence-based operations carried out in different areas.
The latest developments come amid continued security operations in Balochistan, where authorities have repeatedly reported militant activity in remote areas and intensified efforts to disrupt armed groups.
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