ISLAMABAD, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces on Tuesday thwarted a major terrorist bid in the southwestern Balochistan Province ahead of the Islamic holy month of Muharram, commencing from Sept. 12, the military said.

An army statement said that paramilitary frontier corps carried out an intelligence-based operation in Zhob area of the province and recovered 21 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The total weight of the IEDs was 235 kg.

The IEDs were to be used to target the Muharram processions in various parts of the province, the statement from the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The operation was part of the ongoing operation "Radd-ul-Fassad" in Balochistan Province, a military offensive against the "latent threat of terrorism" across the country, which was launched in February 2017.

Pakistani law enforcement agencies have taken strict security measures to avoid any untoward incident during holy month of Muharram. CCTV cameras, walk through gates, metal detectors and other advance equipment have been installed for the security of Muharram processions and religious gatherings.

Additional contingent of police along with paramilitary force Rangers will also be deployed to ensure fool proof security during Muharram.