ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- 18 militants were killed in two separate operations carried out by Security Forces in Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan, announced the Pakistani army on Thursday.
In a statement, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office said that security forces conducted an intelligence operation in the Chiltan Mountains area of Quetta District in Balochistan following a report of militants' presence, resulting in the deaths of 14 militants during an exchange of fire.
The statement added that another intelligence operation was carried out in the town of Buleda in the Kech District of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of four militants.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the courage and professionalism of the security forces in eliminating anti-state elements seeking to "undermine peace and stability," reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eradicating the threat of "terrorism." The Pakistani army had announced on Wednesday that seven militants and six Pakistani soldiers were killed during a security operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan is witnessing an escalation in armed attacks, especially in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan. (end) sbk.fla.res