Four terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out by the security forces in Hoshab area of Turbat, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to a statement of the ISPR released on Wednesday morning, an intelligence-based operation was launched to clear a hideout of terrorists, linked with armed attacks on security forces and civilians besides planting of improvised explosive devices on M-8, in general area Talsar of Hoshab.

As a result of continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) of the area, a location of the terrorists was identified and security forces were moved in through a helicopter.

While the establishment of blocking positions to cut the escape routes was underway, four terrorists opened fire onto the security forces personnel.

During ensuing heavy exchange of fire, all four terrorists were killed, while a cache of arms and ammunition including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been recovered from their hideout.

The security forces action in Hoshab came a day after police and security forces in Dera Ismail Khan had saved the city from a possible terror attack as they recovered suicide jackets and explosive material in a joint operation. 

The Hoshab gunbattle happened also a day after Army Chief General Asim Munir visited Khuzdar and Basima areas of Balochistan. During his visit, he said the Pakistan Army was aware of the “nefarious designs of external enemies of Pakistan” to disturb the peace in Balochistan.

The ISPR statement said Gen Munir was briefed on the prevailing security situation and the formation’s operational preparedness, along with measures being taken to ensure a “peaceful and secure environment”.

“While interacting with troops, COAS emphasised on maintaining optimum operational readiness to thwart attempts by foreign sponsored and supported hostile elements to destabilise Balochistan,” the statement said, adding “We are aware of the nefarious designs of external enemies of Pakistan to disturb the hard-earned peaceful environment in Balochistan.”

The Army Chief also said that the army’s deployment and operations were being “focused” in Balochistan to provide an “enabling environment for benevolent people-centric socioeconomic development”.

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor