Operation Shaban intensifies as security forces eliminate 67 militants in Balochistan

The joint operation, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police, was launched following the deadly terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed three more suspected militants during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, raising the number of militants killed in the operation to 67, according to security sources.

The joint operation, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police, was launched following the deadly terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat. Sources said the campaign will continue until all militant hideouts in the area are cleared.

Officials further stated that a total of 105 militants have been killed in counterterrorism operations conducted since July 5, reflecting an intensified security response to the recent wave of violence.

The operation follows a series of deadly attacks in Balochistan that claimed the lives of 42 people, including security personnel and civilians. Authorities say security forces have inflicted significant losses on militant groups while continuing clearance operations across affected areas.

Earlier this week, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that militants allegedly backed by India attacked the police checkpoint in Ziarat. He stated that police personnel put up strong resistance and killed 15 attackers during the initial exchange of fire. Nine police officers were martyred in the assault, while several others were taken hostage before security forces arrived and regained control of the situation.

Pakistan has experienced a sharp rise in terrorist violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021. In response, the country has intensified counterterrorism operations, including cross-border strikes under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting militant hideouts that authorities say were being used to launch attacks inside Pakistan.

Officials maintain that counterterrorism efforts will continue to prevent further attacks and restore security in the affected regions.