A search operation in Chaman resulted in a large cache of arms and ammunitions being recovered leading to a major attack being averted, an ISPR statement said on Friday.

The operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence reports on Wednesday. However, the terrorists that were planning the attack managed to escape.

“An Intelligence Based Operation was carried out in general area Boghra Rd, Chaman to search a suspected hideout of terrorists, linked with recent firing incidents on law enforcement agencies and civilians in Chaman area besides planting of improvised explosive devices in surrounding areas,” ISPR said in a statement.

Continuous technical surveillance and reconnaissance of the area led to a location of the terrorists being identified, the statement said. It added that Counter Terrorism Department also aided the effort.

“While terrorists had already escaped, a huge cache of arms and ammunition including rockets, Improvised Explosive Devices and other accessories has been recovered.”

The statement said that the recovered cache of weapons could have been used for a terrorist attack at a place like Quetta.

“Pakistan Army in step with the nation, remains determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” the statement said.

The army’s operations against terrorists and terror hideouts have been amplified in recent months after a surge in terror activity across the country.