Daijiworld Media Network – Islamabad

Islamabad, Sep 20: Pakistan security forces killed five terrorists and foiled an attempt to abduct 23 people during an operation in Balochistan, authorities said on Sunday.

The incident took place during the night of September 18-19, when terrorists allegedly attempted to disrupt the movement of people along the Pakistan Highway on the Chaman-Karachi N-25 section near Kalat.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists had established a checkpoint allegedly to abduct people for ransom, carry out extortion and snatch vehicles.

Security forces responded to the incident, resulting in an intense exchange of fire in which five terrorists were killed, the military's media wing said.

The forces subsequently rescued 23 abductees from a hideout and recovered six trucks, three buses and two cars. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered, according to the statement.

Sanitisation operations were continuing in the surrounding areas to locate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety of the local population and the security of national highways, the ISPR said.

Balochistan has continued to face security challenges and militant attacks, prompting Pakistani security forces to step up counter-terrorism operations. According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the number of terrorist attacks in the province increased from 83 in July to 89 in August, a rise of seven per cent.