Operation Shahban: 43 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan as Security Forces Intensify Crackdown After Mangi Dam Attack.
Security forces have so far neutralised 43 terrorists during the ongoing Operation Shahban, launched in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station in Balochistan, according to security sources.
The large-scale counter-terrorism operation, being conducted jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police, entered another decisive phase over the past 24 hours, during which 17 more terrorists were killed, raising the total number of terrorists eliminated in the operation to 43.
According to security sources, terrorists attempted another attack on a police station in the Zehri area of Khuzdar on Friday. However, security personnel successfully repulsed the assault through a swift and coordinated response.
During the operation, Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps troops killed eight terrorists on the ground, while helicopter gunship operations reportedly eliminated five to six additional terrorists attempting to flee the area.
Security forces later expanded the operation into nearby mountainous terrain, where terrorists had taken shelter. Heavy weapons were used to target terrorist hideouts, resulting in the killing of four more terrorists, while several others were reportedly injured.
Sources said that 26 terrorists had already been neutralised during operations conducted on July 6 and July 7, bringing the cumulative tally in Operation Shahban to 43 terrorists.
Security officials further revealed that 79 terrorists have been killed since July 5 in Operation Shahban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across the region, reflecting an intensified campaign against terrorist networks operating in Balochistan.
Operation Shahban was launched after terrorists attacked the Mangi Dam Police Station, prompting a coordinated response by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police to dismantle militant infrastructure and restore security in the affected areas.
The operation comes against the backdrop of a recent wave of terrorist violence in Balochistan, where 42 people, including security personnel and civilians, were martyred in three separate attacks earlier this week. Security agencies have since intensified intelligence-based operations and area clearance missions across the province to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the progress made in Operation Shahban.
President Zardari praised the professionalism and bravery of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police, stating that hostile elements were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements through proxy militant groups.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism and said the nation stood firmly behind its security forces. He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to defeat every attempt aimed at disturbing peace and stability in Balochistan.
Security operations are continuing in the affected areas, with authorities determined to eliminate the remaining terrorist elements and ensure lasting peace across the province.
