QUETTA: Seven suspected terrorists, including two commanders of a banned outfit, were killed on Tuesday in a heavy exchange of fire with security personnel during an operation in the Gorchop area of Turbat in Kech district.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), secu­rity forces carried out the intelligence-based operation in the Gorchop area to “apprehend externally-spon­sored enemies of peace in Balochistan”.

It said that once the troops started clearance operation in the area, terrorists tried to escape from their camp and opened indiscriminate fire on members of security forces, triggering a heavy exchange of fire.

The exchange of fire left seven terrorists, inclu­ding commanders Hasil Doda and Washdil, dead, it said.

The terrorists had been involved in recent firing and attacks on members of security forces in Makran division, the ISPR statement explained.

“A significant cache of arms and ammunition has also been recovered which was intended to be used in terrorist activities,” the statement added.

“Operations to eliminate such perpetrators of terrorist acts in Pakistan will continue and they will not be allowed to sabotage peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” the ISPR said.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2022