Pakistani security forces have killed 10 militants and apprehended two female suicide bombers along with their alleged facilitator during separate sanitisation operations in the restive Balochistan province, the military said on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the military's media wing, the operations were carried out in the districts of Surab and Mastung, both of which have witnessed frequent militant activity in recent years.
The military said security forces launched the operations as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate militant networks and prevent potential terrorist attacks in the province.
In Surab district, seven militants were killed during an intelligence-based sanitisation operation. Security personnel engaged the militants after locating their presence in the area, resulting in an exchange of fire in which all seven were neutralised, the statement said.
In a separate operation conducted in Mastung district, security forces killed three more militants. During the same operation, troops also apprehended two female suicide bombers along with their alleged facilitator before they could carry out any planned attack.
The military did not disclose the identities of the militants or the detained suspects, nor did it specify the militant group to which they were allegedly linked. Authorities also did not reveal whether explosives or weapons were recovered during the operations.
Security officials said the sanitisation operations were part of Pakistan's continuing counter-terrorism campaign aimed at clearing militant hideouts and dismantling extremist networks operating in Balochistan.
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Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, has long been affected by insurgency and militant violence. Security forces frequently conduct intelligence-based operations in the region against armed groups involved in attacks on security personnel, public infrastructure and civilians.
Mastung, in particular, has witnessed several major militant attacks over the years and remains one of the province's most sensitive districts from a security standpoint. Surab has also experienced periodic security operations targeting suspected militant hideouts.
Pakistani authorities have stepped up counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan in recent months following a series of attacks targeting security forces and public installations. Officials say intelligence-led operations have been intensified to disrupt militant activities and prevent planned attacks before they can be carried out.
The military reiterated its commitment to continuing operations against militant groups and said security forces remain determined to maintain peace and stability in the province. Investigations are expected to continue following the arrests to determine the identities, affiliations and possible plans of the detained suspects, while security agencies remain on alert to counter any further militant threats in the region.
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