Security forces killed seven terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Kharan, state media reported on Sunday, citing security sources.

The IBO was carried out in the district’s Lajay area under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, during which several terrorists were also injured, state-run Pakistan TV reported.

It added that security sources said weapons, ammunition, two vehicles and a motorcycle were recovered from the terrorists’ hideouts.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in a statement on social media, paid tribute to the successful operation by the security forces, calling the destruction of terrorist hideouts and recovery of arms and ammunition an “important achievement”.

“Actions against terrorist elements active under foreign patronage are indispensable for safeguarding national security,” the president said.

“The entire nation stands with Pakistan’s security forces in this war against terrorism,” he added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the success of the operation and appreciated their professional capabilities, his ministry said in a statement posted to X.

“The remarkable successes achieved by the security forces in establishing peace in Balochistan are commendable,” the ministry’s statement said, adding that the IBOs would continue “until the last terrorist is eliminated”.

On Saturday, security forces also killed 10 terrorists and injured many others in an IBO in the Shor Pard area of Balochistan’s Khuzdar district.

Likewise, at least 18 terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district, including eight in a premature detonation, the miliatry’s media affairs wing said on Wednesday, and state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported earlier this week that five terrorists, including a key commander, were killed in an IBO in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas of Panjgur district.

The operations are the latest in a string of actions being taken as Balochistan continues to grapple with 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.