Fifteen terrorists were killed in multiple intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in several areas of Balochistan, state media reported on Sunday. According to the state media sources, IBOs were carried out in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai, and Nushki. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered, according to Pakistan TV. “The operations severely damaged the khwarij network and restricted their movement,” Pakistan TV said. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, while Fitna al Hindustan is a term designated by the state for terrorist organisations in Balo­chistan. The latest operations by the security forces in KP and Balochistan take place as the two provinces continue to face security challenges. Last month, the military’s media affairs wing said in a statement that security forces had killed 32 terrorists during operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over 24 hours. Earlier in July, security forces and law enforcement personnel jointly launched Operation Shaban in Balochistan in retaliation for a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat on July 6. During that assault, armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers. Later, security forces also launched Operation Al-Azm in the province after a shooting on a Karachi-bound coach coming from Quetta claimed three lives and injured five others last week. A monthly security assessment released in early June by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said that after two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan’s security situation deteriorated sharply in May, driven primarily by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The report said Balochistan emerged as the most affected province during the month. The province recorded 71 terrorist attacks, compared with 34 in April, representing a 109pc increase. The deteriorating security situation was further reflected in a surge in kidnappings, it said. Of the 54 abductions reported nationwide during May, 52 occurred in Balochistan alone, highlighting the growing operational reach and confidence of terrorist groups in the province, it said. More to follow