Security forces kill nine militants in Balochistan operations

Security forces have killed nine suspected militants in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the

QUETTA: Security forces have killed nine suspected militants in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing on Wednesday.

The operations were conducted on October 26 in Kachhi and Wadh districts following intelligence reports about the presence of militants allegedly linked to the Indian-backed group described by the military as Fitna al-Hindustan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces carried out the first operation in Kachhi district, where they targeted a suspected militant hideout. An exchange of fire followed, resulting in the deaths of seven militants.

In a separate operation in Wadh district, security personnel tracked the movement of suspected militants and intercepted them. An intense exchange of fire led to the killing of two more militants, the ISPR said.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the locations of both operations, according to the military’s statement.

Security forces have launched sanitisation operations in the affected areas to search for any remaining militants and prevent further threats. The clearance operations are aimed at ensuring that no other suspected militants remain in the vicinity.

The ISPR said counterterrorism efforts would continue under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. The campaign seeks to eliminate terrorism allegedly backed by foreign elements and strengthen security across the country.

Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have experienced a rise in militant attacks in recent years. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border militancy and called on Afghanistan to prevent armed groups from using its territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan.

Islamabad maintains that militant groups operating from Afghan soil pose a serious security threat to Pakistani security personnel and civilians. The Afghan Taliban authorities have faced repeated calls from Pakistan to take effective action against these groups.