RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Security Forces have denied establishment of any direct or indirect Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS also called Daesh) organized infrastructure in Balochistan by conducting a successful operation in Mastung area, the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) said.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the ISPR said that based on actionable intelligence, Security Forces conducted an operation in Mastung from June 1-3.
The ISPR said that there were reports of 10-15 terrorists of a banned outfit Lashrake-Jhangivi Al-Almi (LeJA) hiding in caves near Isplingi (Koh-i-Siah/Koh-i- Maran) 36 Kilometer South East of Mastung. The said organization was reportedly making efforts for communication with Daesh and intended to facilitate establishment of ISIS foothold in Balochistan.
The Operation for physical clearance of target area, spread over 10 Kilometers, started early morning June 1 by landing of heliborne force. The Operation continued for three days.
Terrorists who were hiding in caves offered stiff resistance. 250 Meter long gorge with steep heights and multiple caves made the clearance operation difficult and challenging.
The Intelligence and Security Forces personnel fought valiantly to clear the hideout by June 3, the IPSR said.
During exchange of fire, 12 hardcore terrorists including two suicide bombers were killed.
The IPSR further said that the suicide bomber used against Deputy Chairman Senate Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri on May 12 was also sent by this group from same hideout.
During the operation, five security forces personnel including two officers got injured.
During the operation security forces destroyed IED making facility inside cave and recovered cache of arms and ammunition which included 50 kilograms of explosive, 3 suicide bomber jackets, 18 Grenades, 6 Rocket Launchers, 4 Light Machine Guns, 18 small machine guns, 4 sniper rifles, 38 communication sets and huge ammunition of various types.
The ISPR said that besides denying establishing of any direct or indirect Daesh organized infrastructure in Balochistan, the successful operation by Security Forces also foiled terrorist incidents in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has appreciated effort of Southern Command, Intelligence Agencies and the troops for this successful operation.
