QUETTA: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Balochistan has foiled an alleged terror plan of a banned organisation, killing five suspected terrorists during an operation in the Dasht area of Mastung district on Monday.

“A major intelligence-based operation was conducted by CTD Quetta in Dasht after receiving information about the presence of armed men,” a spokesman for the CTD said.

He added that five suspected terrorists belonging to the proscribed Balochis­tan Liberation Army (BLA) were planning to block the Quetta-Sibi Highway and carry out subversive activities.

“The CTD received credible intelligence that a group of armed BLA terrorists had taken positions near the Dasht area of Mastung with the intention of staging a road blockade on the Quetta–Sibi Highway and targeting security forces and civilian traffic,” he continued.

Acting swiftly on the inf­ormation, CTD Quetta teams moved into the area and established surveillance. Upon spotting CTD personnel, the militants opened indiscriminate fire, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

During the heavy exch­ange, five unidentified suspected terrorists were shot dead, while their accomplices managed to flee, taking advantage of the rugged and mountainous terrain favourable for militant movement.

The spokesman said arms and ammunition, including five sub-machine guns with live rounds, seven hand grenades and three motorcycles, were recovered from their possession.

“Search and combing operations are underway to apprehend the fleeing terrorists and dismantle the remaining network,” the spokesman said, adding that the bodies were being shifted to SPHQ Hospital Quetta, while an FIR was being registered at the CTD police station in Quetta.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2026