The military’s media affairs wing said on Saturday that eight terrorists were killed in two “high-tempo” intelligence operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Mastung districts.

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the “intelligence-driven” operations were conducted on June 25 and 26 as part of the counter terrorism campaign aimed at eliminating Fitna al Hindustan.

The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

The statement said that on June 25, the movement of a group of terrorists was picked up by security forces in Balochistan’s Kharan district.

“As a result of precise and skillful engagement, three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Hindustan were sent to hell while several were injured,” it said.

It added that on June 26, a pre-emptive intelligence-based operation was conducted in Balochistan’s Mastung district against the “possible presence of a suicide bomber”.

During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorist location and after an intense fire exchange, five terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were successfully neutralised, ISPR said.

“Weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and motorbikes used by these terrorists were also recovered,” it said.

The statement said that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area. It added that the counterterrorism campaign would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for the successful operations, saying that it demonstrated their professionalism and determination.

“Operations should continue until the complete eradication of foreign-sponsored terrorism in the country,” he said in a statement issued by the Presidency.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces. “Our struggle will continue until the complete eradication of all forms of terrorism from Pakistan,” he said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“The enemies of Pakistan’s peace will be given a crushing defeat on every front,” he said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the security forces on the successful operations and appreciated their professional skills, state-run PTV reported.

“The security forces have foiled the evil intentions of terrorists by taking timely actions,” Naqvi was quoted as saying.

He said the nation was proud of the bravery and professional capabilities of the security forces, adding it “stands shoulder to shoulder with them in the war against terrorism”.

On June 9, ISPR said a soldier was martyred and 14 terrorists were killed during a security operation in Balochistan’s Basima.

On June 2, it said security forces had killed 17 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in different districts of Balochistan following the suicide car bomb attack against a shuttle train in Quetta.