At Least Seven Terrorists Neutralized in Zhob Operation: ISPR

Seven terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Zhob district. Stunning details emerged about terrorists killed in Pakistani strikes on Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) bases in Iran. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced a visit from his Iranian counterpart on January 29th.

In a recent intelligence-based operation (IBO) near the Pak-Afghan border in Balochistan’s Zhob district, Pakistani security forces successfully eliminated at least seven terrorists on Monday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that a heavy exchange of fire occurred during the operation. That operation led to the neutralization of the fleeing militants.

The terrorists, actively involved in activities against security forces and the killing of innocent civilians, were targeted in the Sambaza Sector. A substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from their hideouts by the military forces.

A sanitization operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The ISPR emphasized the unwavering determination of Pakistan’s Security Forces to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

Earlier on January 18, the armed forces conducted precision strikes on hideouts used by terrorist organizations. It includes the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), inside Iran. Moreover, ISPR disclosed that armed drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons were employed in the operation, codenamed ‘Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar.’

Also see: Pakistan Launched Military Strikes in Iran in Retaliation

The targeted hideouts harbored notorious terrorists. It includes Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham, and Wazir alias Wazi, among others, according to the military’s media wing.

Pakistan has experienced an increase in terrorist activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. It is following the end of the ceasefire between the government and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.

According to a security report, 2023 saw a record six-year high with 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were the primary centers of violence. The provinces contributed to over 90% of fatalities and 84% of attacks, including terrorism incidents and security forces operations.

The future of Pak-Iran relations remains uncertain, but a glimmer of hope exists through diplomatic engagement.