Nine militants killed in two security operations in Pakistan

Pakistani security forces killed nine militants, including a key commander of a banned group, in two separate operations in Balochistan province, officials said on September 14.

Three militants, including commander Naqeeb, were killed in an operation in Mastung after security forces targeted their vehicle with a quadcopter, officials said, Dawn reports. 

In a separate operation in Pishin and Qila Abdullah districts, six militants were killed in a gun battle involving the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), police and other law enforcement agencies.

Four CTD personnel were injured in the fighting, which lasted about an hour near Saranan, a CTD spokesman said.

The operations were based on intelligence reports and covered several locations in the two districts. Weapons and other material were also recovered.

Officials said reports that five militants had been arrested had not been confirmed at the time of reporting. An investigation is underway to identify the group’s networks, facilitators and planned attacks.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the security forces, saying the operations demonstrated the authorities’ resolve and capability in combating terrorism.

By Sabina Mammadli