Five militants killed in security operation in southwestern Pakistan

Islamabad, Aug 11 (KUNA) -- The Pakistani military announced on Tuesday the killing of five militants during an intensive security operation based on intelligence information in the Bangur area of Balochistan province in the southwestern part of the country. In a statement, the media wing of the Pakistani military said that security forces carried out the operation after receiving information about the presence of militants in the area, noting that the operation was part of a continuous campaign to combat terrorism, aimed at eliminating armed groups and restoring lasting peace in the region. It added that security forces managed to locate and completely destroy a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and locally made explosives. The statement said that security forces continued search operations in the area to track down any other armed elements, reaffirming the continuation of the counter-terrorism campaign to eliminate what it described as “externally supported terrorism.” Meanwhile, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in separate statements, commended the security forces and praised their efforts and success in carrying out the operation. (End) S.B.K / F.S