Six terrorists were killed and nine suspected individuals were arrested during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) by security forces in Balochistan’s Saran Tangi area, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the operation was conducted under ‘Operation Shaban-2’.

“According to security sources, the operation was conducted against terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan on the basis of intelligence information,” it said.

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

According to Radio Pakistan, a large cache of ammunition and weapons were also recovered from the possession of the terrorists.

“Security forces are continuing operations against terrorists in the area, which will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” it said.

President Asif Ali Zardari commended the “bravery and professional skills” of the security forces for “thwarting the terrorists’ objectives”.

“The war against terrorism resulting from foreign interference will continue,” the president said, adding that Fitna al Hindustan and its facilitators will not succeed in harming Pakistan’s peace and stability.

In a statement on X, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for the operation, saying they had successfully thwarted the nefarious designs of Fitna al Hindustan

“The brave soldiers of the security forces are the pride of the nation,” Naqvi said, adding: “The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces for the eradication of terrorism.”

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 Monday, security forces killed four more terrorists belonging to a banned organisation in an intelligence-based operation carried out in two areas of Panjgur district.

Last week, security forces killed 11 terrorists in separate operations in Panjgur and Chagai districts.