Security forces have killed seven more terrorists in Balochistan as Operation Shaban continues across the province, raising the total number of dead terrorists in the operation to 71.
According to official figures released by state media, a total of 109 terrorists have been killed in various Intelligence-Based Operations (IBO) since July 5.
The latest law enforcement actions took place in the Saran Tangi area, where officials reported the recovery of M4 rifles, submachine guns, rocket launchers and mobile phones.
The joint operation by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police was initiated following a July 7 assault near Mangi Dam, where nine police personnel were martyred at a checkpost and 18 others were abducted and executed in the Zarghoon Gar mountains.
Amid the ongoing security operations, five labourers from Punjab were shot dead in Mashkel town, located in the Washuk district near the Pakistan-Iran border.
Armed terrorists on motorcycles opened fire at the shops where the workers were employed, killing all five on the spot before escaping. Police and security personnel moved the bodies to a health facility in Mashkel to clear legal formalities before transporting them to their home towns.
Security forces have launched a search operation in the area after the targeted shooting.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killing of the five labourers by terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan.
Fitna al-Hindustan is the term the state uses to refer to Balochistan-based terror outfits that are backed by India.
The premier stated, “Targeting innocent and unarmed labourers was an extremely barbaric and cowardly act that deserved the strongest possible condemnation.”
He added that “The elements involved in such heinous crimes against humanity deserve no leniency,” and affirmed that the state remains committed to the eradication of terrorism.
Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Sarfraz Bugti visited Babri village in the Hanna Urak area to review the progress of Operation Shaban and meet participating police personnel.
Commenting on the Mashkel killings, Bugti stated that the victims were “Not merely Punjabi labourers, but Pakistani citizens, hardworking people and our own brothers.” He stated that the attack was an assault on the country’s unity and constitution, adding that “the objective of these terrorists is not any legitimate struggle but to spread fear, hatred and bloodshed, and destabilise Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commented on the progress of Operation Shaban, stating, “The action by the Pakistan Army, FC and police is reflective of the protection of national security. There is no place for terrorist elements in Pakistan.”
State media reported that ground and air operations are continuing against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as Fitna-al-Khawarij.
