Security forces have killed 11 terrorists in separate operations in Panjgur and Chagai districts of Balochistan, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday, citing security sources.

The operations were conducted under Operation Raddul Fitna 3.

In Panjgur’s Gowargo area, security forces neutralised five terrorists and recovered a large quantity of weapons and ammunition from their possession, according to the report.

Meanwhile, six terrorists were killed during operations in the Aminabad and Siah Chang areas of Chagai district, it added.

A significant cache of arms and explosive material was also seized during the operations.

According to state-run APP, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for their successful operations against terrorists.

The interior minister said the “security forces had once again thwarted the intentions of terrorists through effective action”.

The actions carried out by the security forces reflected their commitment to safeguarding national security, Naqvi was quoted as saying.

He said the successful operations demonstrated the forces’ resolve to confront threats and maintain stability.

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.

The number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

On the night of Aug 31-Sept 1, terrorists of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a coordinated attack on the Customs House, located at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway, in the Pishin district.

In retaliatory action, security forces killed 10 terrorists while two officers were among six martyred in the fire exchange, according to the military’s media affairs wing.

Also on August 31, 11 terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan, who had blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion in Chagai’s Nokcha area, were killed following an intense exchange of fire.

On September 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists in the Kalat district during an intelligence-based operation (IBO). Days later, the troops killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate IBOs in Kharan and Washuk districts.

Another 36 terrorists were eliminated during multiple “high-tempo” operations conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on September 4. These also included thwarting an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.

On Thursday, seven terrorists were killed by security forces in an IBO in the Badrang area of Balochistan’s Awaran district.

On Friday, security forces killed seven terrorists during two IBOs in the province’s Panjgur and Kachhi districts.