In a significant operation against militancy, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Balochistan confirmed the killing of three terrorists and arrest of two others during a targeted mission in the Musakhel district early Sunday. This anti-terrorism operation reflects CTD’s intensified efforts to curb activities of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), aiming to restore peace and security across the region.
Operation Details
Based on credible intelligence, the CTD and other law enforcement agencies, including the Frontier Corps (FC) and police, coordinated to intercept BLA operatives in the Rarhasham area of Musakhel. Acting on the information, forces were deployed across strategic locations in the area. Late at night, one of the deployed contingents encountered a group of 10 to 12 suspected terrorists approaching a main road. An intense exchange of gunfire followed, resulting in the death of three terrorists and the arrest of two others.
While this mission succeeded in neutralizing several militants, the CTD spokesperson noted that approximately five to seven suspects managed to flee under the cover of darkness. Security forces have since launched a search operation to apprehend these remaining suspects.
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Weapons Seized and Interrogations Underway
Security forces seized a cache of weapons and ammunition from the militants at the site of the operation. The CTD transferred the bodies of the deceased to a local hospital, while the detained suspects are currently undergoing interrogation. Law enforcement also filed a First Information Report (FIR) to document the encounter officially, with additional information anticipated as investigations continue.
Rise in Terror Attacks in Balochistan
This operation comes in the wake of another recent terror attack in Balochistan’s Mastung district. On Friday, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast killed nine people, including five children, and left 29 others injured. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the tragic incident, expressing deep concern over militants increasingly targeting vulnerable groups, including children and laborers.
Security Challenges in Pakistan
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces have witnessed a notable increase in terrorism-related incidents over recent months. Although Pakistan saw a temporary 24% decrease in terror attacks in September compared to August, terrorism surged during July and August, indicating an unsettling trend.
In 2023, the country endured 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries stemming from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. Thus, marking a six-year high in fatalities, underscore the escalating security challenges Pakistan faces in its fight against terrorism. The government continues to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts, with CTD spearheading initiatives to dismantle terror networks and reduce violence across the nation.
This latest operation in Musakhel highlights CTD’s commitment to countering militancy and maintaining law and order in Balochistan. As investigations proceed, CTD vows to provide further updates, while intensified search operations continue to pursue militants attempting to evade capture.
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