As many as 14 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations in Quetta and Barkhan districts of Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In a statement released in Quetta on Wednesday, the Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said eight Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed in a gunfight with Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel who raided their hideout in Quetta city.
The intense firefight took place in the Darakhshan area of the provincial capital.
A CTD spokesperson said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire, which led to the elimination of eight terrorists.
During the confrontation, three CTD personnel were also injured and were promptly transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the hideout of the slain terrorists.
The security forces personnel cordoned off the area and carried out a search operation.
Initial reports suggested that the slain militants were affiliated with a banned organization. However, investigation was ongoing.
In another statement, the CTD said “six terrorists were killed in a fire exchange” during an intelligence-based operation in Rakhni area of Barkhan. “All security personnel remained safe,” it stated, adding arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.
“The terrorists were involved in the planning of disruptive actions,” the CTD said, reaffirming to continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism.
PM, interior minister pay tribute to CTD Balochistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the Counter Terrorism Department Balochistan for a successful operation against Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists in Quetta.
In a statement, the prime minister commended the CTD for killing eight terrorists and prayed for the speedy recovery of the three CTD personnel who were injured in an exchange of fire with the militants. “CTD Balochistan is playing a key role in the war against terrorism,” the prime minister said, expressing his resolve to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to CTD Balochistan for the successful operations against Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists in Quetta.
Mohsin Naqvi praised the professionalism and bravery of the CTD team for killing terrorists. “The CTD thwarted the nefarious intentions of the Fatna al-Khwarij terrorists. We appreciate the achievements of CTD for establishing peace in Balochistan, the minister maintained.
Mohsin Naqvi prayed for the speedy recovery of the three CTD officers injured in the firing.
Reporters Essa Tareen and Awais Kiyani