A soldier was martyred and 17 terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday.

According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the IBOs on Nov 1 on the “reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Hindustan”.

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

The statement said the first IBO was conducted in the Sanni area of Kachhi district. During the operation, “terrorists’ attempt to establish [a] road block in the city was thwarted by proactive action of security forces,“ resulting in the killing of 10 terrorists.

“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered,” it added.

Separately, security forces busted a terrorist hideout in Kharan and after an intense fire exchange, “seven Indian-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell”.

ISPR said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered during this operation. The statement added that Sepoy Hikmatullah, who was 25 years old and a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, was martyred during the IBO.

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorist found in the area,” it added.

ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign would continue at full pace to wipe out the “menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.

In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for killing 17 terrorists and also paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmatullah.

“[His] sacrifice for the defence of the homeland and for peace and security will always be remembered,” the president said, extending “heartfelt” condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family.

“Operations under Azm-i-Istehkam will continue until the complete eradication of terrorism sponsored and supported from abroad,” President Zardari added.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces on the successful operations. In a post on X, the interior ministry said he also commended the professional capabilities of security forces in “thwarting the terrorists’ nefarious designs”.

He also paid tribute to the martyred soldier, saying that the “brave sons of the security forces are a source of pride for the nation”.

“The security forces remain committed to the complete eradication of Indian-sponsored terrorists,” he said.