18 terrorists killed in Balochistan operation: ISPR

Eighteen suspected terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated

Eighteen suspected terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated prematurely, followed by a security operation against fleeing militants, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred on the morning of August 12 while the militants were preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).

The premature explosion killed eight militants at the site, while several others were reportedly injured.

ISPR said additional explosives stored by the militants also detonated. The blast reportedly caused the deaths of three civilians living or working near the area.

Following the explosion, security forces and Balochistan Police launched a joint clearance operation. The objective was to identify those involved in the incident and locate other militants and their facilitators.

During the operation, security personnel detected several militants attempting to flee the area. Ten more militants were subsequently killed in an exchange of fire, according to ISPR.

The military said the combined death toll among the militants involved in the incident had reached 18.

Two security personnel were also injured during the operation.

Security forces have continued sanitisation activities in the area to search for any remaining militants and clear possible threats.

The military said counter-terrorism operations would continue under the government’s broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework.

It said security and law-enforcement agencies remained committed to preventing terrorist groups from establishing a foothold in the country.

The latest operation comes a day after security forces reported killing five militants during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district.

Balochistan has remained one of Pakistan’s key security challenges, with militant groups repeatedly targeting security personnel, civilians and government installations.

The province has witnessed several major attacks in recent months, prompting increased coordination between the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police.

Security officials say operations are being conducted to disrupt militant networks, identify facilitators and prevent further attacks.

The authorities have also repeatedly warned that militant groups operating in Balochistan pose a threat to both civilian life and national security.