In a recent development, a terrorist was killed and three others were injured during an exchange of fire with security forces in Gwadar, Balochistan. The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the incident and stated that the entire area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway.
On another front, four terrorists were killed and one was apprehended during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operation was carried out in Charmang after receiving reports of terrorist activities. An intense firefight erupted between security forces and terrorists, resulting in the elimination of four terrorists while one was captured. The security forces also recovered a significant amount of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and a suicide vest from the militants. Sepoy Muhammad Shoaib, a 24-year-old soldier, lost his life in the operation.
The ISPR emphasized that the continued sanitization and elimination of terrorists in the area is a priority for the security forces. It reiterated the determination of the Pakistani security forces to eradicate terrorism from the country.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, especially in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the termination of the ceasefire between the government and the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) last year. A recent report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies highlighted a rise in terror and suicide attacks, resulting in the loss of 389 innocent lives in the first half of this year.
It is worth mentioning that on July 12, twelve Pakistani soldiers were martyred in separate terrorist attacks in Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan, marking the highest single-day death toll for the military this year. The Foreign Office later confirmed the involvement of Afghan terrorists in the Zhob attack.