ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed more than 14 militants allegedly linked to India and destroyed several hideouts during an operation in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan, state media reported on Saturday.
The operation was carried out in the Zehri area of Khuzdar district, where security forces foiled an attempt by militants to intimidate local residents, according to the country’s official news channel.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, has long been plagued by an insurgency that has intensified in recent months, with separatist militants increasingly targeting security personnel, government officials, infrastructure and non-local residents.
“More than 14 terrorists linked to the so-called ‘Fitna-e-Hindustan’ were killed and over 20 injured in the Khuzdar operation,” Pakistan Television (PTV) said in a post on Instagram.
“Security forces remain fully prepared to eliminate these India-backed terrorists to ensure public safety,” it added.
