12 Indian-backed terrorists killed after attack on police station, banks: Pakistan army

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed twelve Indian-backed militants in a clearance operation after terrorists carried out activities in Kharan City in the Balochistan province, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in violence in recent years, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Earlier this month, the military said terrorist incidents increased sharply following the military conflict with India in May last year, stating that, in its assessment, India subsequently activated proxy groups operating from Afghanistan to destabilize Pakistan.

In a press release issued this week, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “approximately fifteen to twenty Indian sponsored terrorists” carried out multiple activities in Kharan District.

The terrorists targeted City Police Station, National Bank of Pakistan, and Habib Bank Limited, during which “Rs3.4 million were looted” from the banks.

In an effective response, the security forces engaged with the terrorists, prompting them to retreat. 

“During the ensuing clearance operation, twelve terrorists were sent to hell in three different engagements,” the press release said. 

“Terrorists' design to create a hostage situation at the police station was also effectively thwarted,” it added.

The military said that the “sanitization operation continues in the surroundings to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorists.” 

“A relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” ISPR said.