At least 71 supposed "terrorists" linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as the Pakistani Taliban, and to the separatist militia Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA, for its acronym in English) have died in the last four days in the province of Balochistan, according to the balance released this Sunday by the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
"More than 71 terrorists have died in Operation Shaban and other areas of Balochistan in the last 96 hours, which represents a serious setback for the Afghan puppets backed by India," explains the military statement.
According to the military press office, these casualties are part of a "rapid operation against the terrorists in Ziarat and the surrounding area" launched on September 21.
The intelligence services located "several hideouts of Fitna al Jauarij and Fitna al Hindustan backed by India in the Shaban area, Quetta district, which were a threat to the local population," states the Army, which uses these names to refer to the TTP and the BLA.
In the first phase of the offensive, 33 "terrorists" were killed and weapons, ammunition, and explosives were seized. Subsequently, in the last 72 hours, authorities have reported the death of another 23 "terrorists".
"The security forces have cleared a vast area and have eliminated the threat posed to the population by Fitna al Jauarij and Fitna al Hidustan. The cleanup operation continues until the complete neutralization of the threat," the statement emphasized.
The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has reiterated that operations will continue until the "complete eradication of terrorism" and has held "foreign sponsors" responsible for sustaining these armed groups. "The sacrifices and service of our security forces against terrorism are a source of pride for the entire nation," he emphasized.