QUETTA, October 19: Security forces killed four terrorists in operations in Balochistan’s Kalat district, while an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Gwadar district killed an army major, the military said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Jattakabad, Kalat district, on October 18, targeting a hideout of the Fitna al Hindustan terrorists.
An intense exchange of fire followed, leaving four terrorists affiliated with Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan dead. Security forces also recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition from the site.
Meanwhile, clearance operations against militants continued in the Shadi Kaur area of Pasni tehsil in Gwadar district, the military’s media wing said.
During one of the operations, an IED struck a security forces team advancing under the command of Major Wajahat Waheed, martyring the 34-year-old officer. Major Waheed hailed from Lahore.
Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Security Forces, Martyred Major
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for killing the four militants in the operations in Kalat and Gwadar and expressed deep sorrow over Major Waheed’s death.
The prime minister said the officer had sacrificed his life in defence of the country and that the nation was proud of its brave son. He also offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks.
President Asif Ali Zardari also commended security forces for their operations against militants and paid tribute to Major Waheed for his sacrifice.
Zardari said attempts by foreign sponsors of terrorism and their local facilitators to destabilise the country would be thwarted.
The ISPR said clearance operations would continue to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.
It reaffirmed the military’s resolve to maintain operations against what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee.
