QUETTA: Nearly half a dozen suspected terrorists were killed and three security personnel sustained injuries in a gun battle during an intelligence-based operation in Splinji in Mastung district, on Sunday.

“The suspect terrorists were planning to attack pilgrims and security forces,” claimed a spokesman for the counter-terrorism department of police, adding that heavy consignment of arms and ammunition was seized during the search of their hideouts.

The exchange of fire, which continued till late night, took place in the same area where a roadside bomb explosion had recently claimed several lives.

The CTD spokesman explained that personnel of CTD and another law enforcement agency conducted intelligence-based operation in the Qabu area of Splinji Mountains and cordoned off the hideouts of terrorists. However, the armed militants opened fire triggering an exchange of fire, which continued for several hours. Besides gunfire, explosions were also heard during the operation.

“Security forces found five bodies of alleged terrorists in the mountains,” the spokesman said, adding that three security personnel sustained injuries in the firing. Security forces were shifting the bodies and injured to the hospital till the filing of this report on Sunday night.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2022