Twelve hardcore terrorists killed in Mastung

QUETTA: Twelve hardcore terrorists have been killed after security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Mastung area of Balochistan during last two days.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation successfully foiled major terrorist activities in Balochistan.

The terrorists were reportedly hiding inside a cave for planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in the province. Five security officials including two officers got injured during the operation.

AFP adds: Pakistani forces killed around a dozen Islamic State militants in a three-day raid prompted by intelligence reports that the group were holding two recently kidnapped Chinese nationals.

“Some 12-13 IS commanders have been killed after intense gun-battles and the area was cleared late Saturday,” he said, but added that the Chinese pair were not recovered from the scene despite the presence of the vehicle used in their kidnapping nearby.

Security forces also seized six suicide jackets, a cache of ammunition, explosives, detonators, solar panels and food rations, a security official told AFP.

The two Chinese workers were abducted last month in Quetta. One Chinese woman managed to escape as the men began firing in the air to scare off onlookers. A passer-by, Muhammad Zahir, was shot as he tried to prevent the abduction.

Balochistan has been plagued by insurgencies since 2004, with hundreds of soldiers and militants killed in the fighting. But a greater push towards peace and development has reduced overall levels of violence in recent years.