3 terrorists killed, 2 civilians dead as attack on Mastung post repulsed: state media

QUETTA BUREAU —Security forces killed three terrorists on the N-25 highway in Balochistan’s Mastung district while repulsing an attack on Kandawa Post, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday, citing police. According to a spokesperson for Balochistan Police, terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan attempted a “cowardly attack at Kandawa Post on National Highway N-25 using an explosives-laden vehicle”.

The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. Security forces repulsed the attack through timely and effective action, the police statement said. However, two civilians lost their lives in the incident, while at least 13 others were injured, according to a list of names in the police statement.

Three Frontier Corps personnel were also injured in the incident, the statement added. “The explosion caused damage to nearby houses and a mosque.” In the ensuing retaliatory operation, three terrorists were killed, the police said. The injured people were taken to medical centres for treatment. “The attack demonstrates that these terrorists have no connection with the people of Balochistan,” the police stressed. “Operations against elements seeking to undermine peace, development, and prosperity in Balochistan will continue, and the protection of the lives and property of the people will be ensured under all circumstances,” it affirmed.

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities in recent years, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations. Earlier this month, a soldier was martyred and 17 terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

In early October, security forces killed five terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan in Mastung, Pakistan TV reported. Pakistan witnessed a significant improvement in several key security indicators during October , with terrorist attacks declining by 37 per cent compared with September, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

Balochistan recorded one of the most significant improvements, with terrorist attacks declining by 46pc, from 132 in September to 71 in October.