Security forces killed six terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Kachhi district, security sources said on Thursday, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.

According to security sources, terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan were successfully targeted using quadcopters in Kachhi’s Sanni area.

The state refers to designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

Radio Pakistan reported that a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the terrorists.

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks in recent weeks, prompting security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.

On Tuesday, security forces killed two terrorists in Balochistan’s Chagai.

The military’s media affairs wing said on Sept 27 that more than 71 terrorists had been killed in Shaban and other areas of Balochistan in the previous 96 hours. On Sept 17, three terrorists were eliminated in an IBO in Balochistan’s Awaran district’s Badrang area. Another three were killed in Mastung on Sept 14.

Earlier in September, 21 terrorists were killed in separate engagements in Nokcha, Chagai, Ziarat Cross, and Pishin.

The number of terrorist attacks in the province increased by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. As per the report, Balochistan was declared the province “most affected” by terrorism.