Security forces rescued 23 abducted people and killed five militants after foiling an attempt to establish an illegal checkpoint along the Chaman-Karachi N-25 highway near Kalat, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place during the night of September 18-19 after armed men attempted to disrupt traffic on the highway.
The ISPR said the militants were trying to establish a checkpoint to abduct travellers for ransom, extort money and seize vehicles.
“Security Forces responded immediately, and after intense fire exchange, five terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored proxy of Fitna al-Hindustan were sent to hell due to effective response by Armed Forces,” the ISPR said.
“Fitna al-Hindustan” is the terminology adopted by the Pakistani government for militant groups operating in Balochistan that it accuses of receiving Indian support. India has rejected Pakistan’s broader allegations of sponsoring militancy in Balochistan.
Security forces subsequently searched a hideout and recovered 23 abductees, six trucks, three buses and two cars, according to the military statement.
A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered.
The ISPR said clearance operations were continuing in surrounding areas.
“Sanitisation operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population and the vital National Highways,” it said.
The military added that counterterrorism operations under the government’s Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue “with full resolve.”