![A soldier was martyred and 15 terrorists killed during a security operation in Balochistan's Zhob district. [Image via Dawn]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10184208ffeadef.webp)
During an operation in Balochistan’s Zhob district on Tuesday, security forces killed 15 terrorists. However, one soldier was martyred. The military’s media wing reported the incident.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the district’s Sambaza area. They engaged the terrorists at their location and eliminated 15.
“However, during [an] intense exchange of fire, Sepoy Arifur Rehman (age 32 years; resident of Mansehra district), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom,” the statement said.
The security forces recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the 15 killed terrorists, the statement said. Furthermore, they are conducting a sanitisation operation to neutralise any remaining terrorists in the area.
“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.
In July, the government issued an official notification. It designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al Khawarij. The notification also mandated all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan.
Also See: Pakistan Preparing Major Offensive Against Balochistan Separatist Groups
Statement by PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their professionalism in killing 15 terrorists.
The PM also paid tribute to Rehman for sacrificing his life during the operation, the state broadcaster PTV quoted him as saying in a post on X.
PM Shehbaz said that “we will continue fighting against terrorism until they completely eradicate it from the country.”
“Officers and personnel of security forces are busy day and night in protecting the motherland,” he said. “The entire nation, including me, is proud of the dutiful officers and security officers.”
“The entire nation, including me, stands by the security forces in this war against terrorism.”
The country has lately witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP.
On November 22, security forces killed seven terrorists in operations across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier in November, security forces killed four terrorists, including a “high-value target”, during an exchange of fire in Balochistan’s Kech district. In another operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Miranshah district on the same day, the security forces killed eight terrorists.
This news is sourced from Dawn and is intended for informational purposes only.
