Security forces have killed more than 71 militants in a series of counterterrorism operations across Balochistan over the past 96 hours, military’s media wing said on Sunday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the operations targeted Indian-sponsored members of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, claiming the actions had dealt a major setback to militant networks operating in the province.
According to ISPR, intelligence agencies located several militant hideouts in the Shaban area of Quetta district, which were reportedly being used by elements posing a threat to nearby communities.
Acting on intelligence, security forces launched an operation in Ziarat and adjoining areas on September 21. During the operation, troops engaged militants and cleared several hideouts amid heavy exchanges of fire.
ISPR said 33 militants were killed in the initial phase, with weapons, ammunition and explosives recovered from the cleared positions. The operation was subsequently intensified over the following 72 hours, during which another 23 militants were killed, the military said.
Security forces also cleared a sizeable area and removed threat to local residents. The clearance operation remains underway as troops continue efforts to eliminate any remaining militant presence.
In separate intelligence-based operations on September 25, security forces conducted an action against a militant hideout in Nushki district, killing 11 militants. Six more were killed during an operation in Mand, while a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered.
“More than 71 terrorists have been killed so far in Operation Shaban and other areas of Balochistan in last 96 hours,” ISPR said.
The military said that the Afghan Taliban authorities were involved in militant activities targeting Pakistan, with India providing backing and support. Kabul and New Delhi have previously rejected such allegations.
ISPR said security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations with full determination, vowing to pursue what it described as foreign-sponsored militant networks.
Pakistan has reported increased militant activity along its western borders, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
