Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel killed 10 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Pishin district, while 10 CTD officers were wounded in the exchange of fire, senior officials said on Tuesday.

Addressing a joint news conference in Quetta, DIG CTD Aitzaz Goraya said the operation resulted in the recovery of a large cache of weapons and explosives from the militants. The seized items included a rocket launcher, hand grenades and Kalashnikov rifles.

DIG Goraya said the presence of such modern weapons with terrorists raised serious questions and would be investigated through forensic analysis. He added that the deputy commissioner of Pishin and his team provided full support during the operation.

“The terrorists were heavily armed, which is a matter of concern. All recovered weapons and explosive material will be sent for forensic examination,” he said.

DIG Goraya reiterated an appeal to militants to lay down their arms and join the national mainstream, warning that those who continued to take up arms against the state would be dealt with strictly.

Balochistan Chief Minister’s Special Assistant Shahid Rind, who was also present at the briefing, said the state would respond with “an iron hand” to those challenging its writ.

He vowed that those spreading terrorism would be brought to justice and that no leniency would be shown to facilitators of militant groups.

“The government’s resolve is clear. Terrorists and their supporters will not be spared,” Rind said.