Security forces have killed five terrorists, including a key commander, in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas of Panjgur district in Balochistan, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.

The operation was conducted as part of Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3 in Balochistan, the state broadcaster said.

“According to security sources, the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation against Fitna al Hindustan terrorists in Sarkani and Chedgi areas of Panjgur, killing five terrorists, including a key Fitna al Hindustan commander, Wazir,” it said.

Fitna al-Hindustan is a term used by the Pakistani military for India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation in Pakistan.

“Four motorcycles, machine guns, heavy weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorists,” Radio Pakistan reported.

The terrorists were allegedly involved in robbery, extortion, kidnapping and attacks targeting local traders and other residents in Panjgur, it added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded security forces on the successful operation, according to state-run APP. Paying tribute to the professionalism and operational capabilities of the security forces, Naqvi said the successful action had thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists and dealt a major blow to their activities in the region.

Naqvi said the successful operation demonstrated the security forces’ preparedness, professionalism and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism. He stressed that the elimination of terrorist elements was essential for restoring lasting peace and stability in Balochistan and across the country.

He said the government and the people remained committed to supporting the security forces in their efforts to eradicate terrorist networks and ensure peace and security throughout the country.

The operation comes a day after security forces killed 15 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations across Balochistan. The operations were conducted in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3, according to state media.

The latest operations by the security forces in Balochistan take place as the province continues to face security challenges.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment released on July 31, the security situation deteriorated most significantly in Balochistan in the country last month.

The overall death toll increased by 241pc in Balochistan, from 109 in June to 372 in July, the report said.

Security personnel deaths in Balochistan increased from six in June to 62 in July, representing a rise of 933pc. Terrorist deaths rose from 75 to 238, while civilian deaths increased by 93pc, from 28 to 54. Eighteen members of peace committees were also killed in the province.

Last month, security forces and law enforcement personnel jointly launched Operation Shaban in Balochistan in retaliation for a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat on July 6 when armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers.