Security forces have killed nine more militants during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, taking the total number of militants eliminated in the operation to 52, according to security sources. State-run Pakistan Television, citing security officials, reported that coordinated air and ground operations involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and police remain underway against militant hideouts across the province.

Security sources said the latest operation increased the overall number of militants killed since July 5, including those eliminated in intelligence-based operations, to 88. Officials said the security operation would continue until all militant networks operating in the area are dismantled. Operation Shaban was launched on July 5 in the Shaban area following the deadly attack on the Mangi Dam pumping station police post, where militants targeted security personnel.

During that attack, nine police officers, including two station house officers (SHOs), were martyred, while 18 other policemen were abducted at gunpoint. Their bodies were later recovered from the mountainous Zarghoon Gar area. Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said security forces had successfully foiled an attempted militant attack on a police station in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district earlier on Friday, describing it as another example of the continued security response against militant threats.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)