Security forces have killed three terrorists during an operation in Balochistan’s Mastung, state media reported on Monday, citing security sources.

The troops targeted a vehicle of Fitna-al-Hindustan — a term the state has designated for Balochistan-based groups to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan — using a quadcopter during the operation, APP and Radio Pakistan reported.

The precision strike killed three terrorists, including a commander, while the vehicle was completely destroyed, the reports said.

According to APP, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces for the operation, “praising their efforts and professional capabilities in eliminating the three terrorists”.

Citing a statement attributed to Naqvi, it reported that the interior minister “appreciated the professionalism displayed by the forces during the operation and acknowledged their role in neutralising the three terrorists”.

The minister noted the security forces had foiled the terrorists’ designs and prevented them from achieving their objectives. He said that the successful operation reflected the determination and preparedness of the forces in dealing with threats posed by terrorist groups.

He said the security forces “continue to play a key role in maintaining peace and protecting the country from terrorism”, adding that their efforts and sacrifices were “vital in the ongoing fight against terrorist elements”.

He reiterated that operations against terrorism would continue until its eradication and said the security forces would keep taking action against terrorist groups wherever necessary to ensure the safety and security of the country.

He further stated that the “nation stands firmly alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism” and expressed confidence in the security forces’ ability to continue their mission against terrorism.

Their commitment “remains essential in achieving lasting peace and security”, he was quoted as saying.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also paid tribute to the security forces for their “timely and effective action” against the terrorists, according to PTV.

“The operation against the terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan is a manifestation of the resolve of state institutions,” Bugti was quoted as saying.

“Effective action against terrorist elements is a clear message to the enemies of peace. The sacrifices and services of the security forces for the establishment of peace in Balochistan are commendable,” he said.

Terror attacks in Balochistan

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.

Last month, the number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

On the night of Aug 31-Sept 1, terrorists of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House, located at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway, in the Pishin district.

In retaliatory action, security forces killed 10 terrorists while two officers were among six martyred in the fire exchange, according to the military’s media affairs wing.

Also on Aug 31, 11 terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan, who had blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion in Chagai’s Nokcha area, were killed following an intense exchange of fire.

On Sept 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists in the Kalat district during an intelligence-based operation (IBO).

Days later, the troops killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate IBOs in Kharan and Washuk districts.

Another 36 terrorists were eliminated during multiple “high-tempo” operations conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on September 4. These also included thwarting an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.