QUETTA: Four civilians and a policeman were killed in in two days of violence across Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province while security forces killed five militants, officials said on Wednesday.
A latest clash between security forces and militants took place overnight on Sept. 14–15 when Pakistani security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, killing five militants.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has long been plagued by a separatist insurgency and militant violence. Armed groups regularly target security forces, infrastructure and foreign-backed projects, deterring much-needed investment.
“During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and after an intense fire exchange, five Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” the military’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement.
Pakistan frequently blames neighboring India and Afghanistan for sponsoring militant groups on its soil, accusations both New Delhi and Kabul deny.
