The security forces of Pakistan have killed 33 alleged terrorists with supposed links to India during a series of anti-terrorist operations that began on September 21 in the southwestern province of Balochistan, according to details provided by the Pakistani Army.
In an official note disseminated by the newspaper 'DAWN', the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) explained that, as part of 'Operation Shaban', the deployed forces "have dismantled additional terrorist hideouts and, after an intense exchange of gunfire, five 'India-sponsored terrorists' have been killed," raising the total to 22 as of last Monday.
"Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the positions of the khawarij. The cleanup operation will continue until the total neutralization of the threat in the area," adds the military statement.
The authorities have indicated that the actions have targeted alleged members of Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, institutional categories used by the Government of Pakistan to designate the armed groups it combats and to which it attributes external interference. Under these labels, both radical Islamist factions and separatist insurgents considered favorable to India are included.
The Army has emphasized that "the relentless anti-terrorist campaign by the security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full speed to eradicate the threat of terrorism sponsored and supported by foreigners in the country."
According to a statement from the Presidency, the head of state, Asif Ali Zardari, has expressed his recognition to the security forces for the results of these operations. In his words, "the elimination of 33 India-backed terrorists in Balochistan is a commendable achievement for the security forces."
He has also highlighted the importance of the seizure of weapons and ammunition from the designated groups and has insisted that "the nefarious plans of the India-backed terrorist elements will be thwarted at all costs."
Balochistan has been experiencing a surge in violence for weeks, with an increase in attacks attributed to terrorist groups, which has led to the reinforcement of military and police operations. According to a monthly report from the Pakistani Institute of Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist attacks in the province grew by 7%, from 83 incidents in July to 89 in August.