Pishin, 15 September (H.S.): Security forces in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have claimed to have killed six terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Saranan area of Pishin district. According to officials, the slain terrorists were linked to a proscribed Baloch militant network allegedly involved in attacks on civilians and other violent activities in the area.

According to Balochistan Pulse, an online news network covering Balochistan, the operation was conducted following an attack on labourers working on an under-construction road in the Saranan area on August 24. Police said four labourers were killed in the initial attack. In a separate shooting incident, another injured labourer later succumbed to his wounds, taking the total number of fatalities to six.

According to security officials, intelligence inputs had indicated the presence and activities of terrorists in the Saranan area. Acting on the information, security forces launched an operation in the locality. During the operation, an exchange of fire took place between security personnel and the militants, in which six terrorists were killed.

Officials said the slain terrorists were allegedly involved in targeting civilians and in other incidents of violence in the region. However, these claims could not be independently verified.

Security agencies have expressed growing concern over terrorist activities in and around Pishin in recent days. Besides the attack on labourers in Saranan, incidents targeting government installations and security forces have also been reported in the area.

On August 20, the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed to have taken control of parts of Saranan and occupied government buildings. However, the claim has not been independently verified and, for the time being, remains only an assertion by the organisation.

Security forces have been conducting intelligence-based operations in Balochistan as part of their counter-terrorism campaign. Alleged militant networks have also been targeted in recent operations in Chagai, Mastung, Kharan, Washuk and other districts.

The Pishin operation is considered significant as it was carried out following an attack on ordinary labourers. Security officials said terrorist violence is no longer confined to security installations but has also emerged as a serious threat to civilians and ongoing economic activities in the region.

According to security officials, intelligence-based operations will continue in the coming days to prevent terrorist organisations from establishing a foothold at the local level and targeting civilians.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar