According to state media reports on Saturday, security forces have neutralized 11 additional terrorists in the ongoing operation in Balochistan, raising the cumulative death toll to 88 since the campaign began on July 5.
In an intelligence-based operation (IBO) near the N-25 crossing, two terrorists linked to the militant group designated as Fitna al Hindustan—a label applied by authorities to terrorist organizations in the province—were killed, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
Security personnel also recovered weapons, hand grenades, a motorcycle, mobile phones, flags of a banned outfit, and other equipment from the deceased individuals, according to security sources.
Operation Shaban, currently underway across Balochistan, continues to escalate as the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and police intensify joint air and ground operations targeting terrorist hideouts, state-run Pakistan TV announced on X.
Official statements indicate that nine terrorists were eliminated in the latest phase of the operation, bringing the total under Operation Shaban to 52 and the overall figures since July 5 to 88. Security officials emphasized that the operation will persist until all terrorists are neutralized.
The operation targets individuals responsible for a deadly attack on a police post at Mangi dam pumping station in Quetta district’s Shaban area on July 5, which resulted in the deaths of 27 police personnel. Terrorists previously murdered nine officers, including two station house officers, and abducted 18 others, later killing them in the Zarghoon Gar mountainous region.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the military, Balochistan Frontier Corps, and police for eliminating nine additional terrorists, praising their “unwavering resolve and bravery” in countering extremist threats.
Chief Minister Bugti’s government has allocated Rs11.1 million in compensation to the families of those killed in the Mangi dam attack, with all administrative and financial procedures expedited, according to Information and Political Affairs Adviser Shahid Rind. The government pledged ongoing support for the bereaved families, including full coverage of their children’s education.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated a unified civil-military commitment to eradication of terrorism, declaring during a provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta that “it is a mutual and singular decision of the civil and military leadership that we must end terrorism collectively,” with Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in attendance.
Since July 5, at least 42 people—four civilians, 27 policemen, and 11 security personnel—have perished in terrorist attacks and subsequent operations, according to military sources.
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