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- The military says both militants were 鈥榓ctively involved in numerous terrorist activities鈥� in the area
- Shehbaz Sharif applauds the security forces for the operation, vows to eliminate militant violence
KARACHI: Pakistani security forces on Friday killed two militants during an intelligence-based operation in the southwestern Balochistan province, the military said, as the region continues to experience an uptick in separatist attacks.
Balochistan, Pakistan鈥檚 largest province by landmass and rich in mineral resources, has faced a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades. Baloch separatist groups accuse the central government of exploiting local resources, such as gold and copper, without benefiting the local population.
Islamabad denies the allegations, saying it is committed to improving the lives of local residents in the province through various development projects.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement security forces conducted the operation in Kech District on the reported presence of militants.
鈥淒uring the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists鈥� location and after an intense fire exchange, two terrorists were sent to hell,鈥� said the statement.
鈥淭he killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area against the law enforcement agencies as well as the innocent civilians,鈥� it added.
The ISPR said a 鈥渟anitization operation鈥� was continuing in the area to eliminate any remaining militants.
It maintained that Pakistani forces were 鈥渄etermined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.鈥�
Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for carrying out the operation.
鈥淭he nation is proud of the bravery of our officers and soldiers,鈥� he said in a statement circulated by his office.
鈥淥ur war against terrorism will continue until it is completely eradicated from the country,鈥� he added.