Seven more militants killed in Balochistan operation, toll rises to 64

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed seven more suspected militants during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, bringing the total number of militants killed in the operation to 64, according to security sources.

The operation, launched after the attack on the Mangi Dam police checkpoint, is being carried out jointly by security forces and police against militants the Pakistani government refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij. Security sources said air and ground operations remain underway across the affected areas.

According to the sources, a total of 102 suspected militants have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations conducted in the province.

Security officials said the operation would continue until all militants operating in the area are eliminated.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces for their role in the operation.

Naqvi said terrorism must be eradicated completely, adding that those seeking to undermine peace would not be allowed safe havens anywhere in the country.