Eight Indian-Sponsored Terrorists Killed in Three Balochistan Operations: ISPR
Security forces foil terrorist roadblock attempt in Quetta, dismantle suspected hideouts in Nushki and Khuzdar; Mohsin Naqvi praises troops.
ISPR says five terrorists were killed in Quetta, two in Nushki and one in Khuzdar; Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praises security forces as sanitisation operations continue
ISLAMABAD: (News Pulse) Security forces have killed eight terrorists belonging to what the military described as the Indian-sponsored proxy group Fitna al-Hindustan during three intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, recovering a substantial quantity of weapons, ammunition and 490 kilogrammes of explosives, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted on October 17 in the districts of Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar following reports about the presence of terrorists linked to the group.
The operations were part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting their activities and preventing attacks on civilians, security personnel and vital infrastructure.
In Quetta district, security forces intercepted an attempt by terrorists to establish a roadblock in the Panjpai area to disrupt local traffic. The troops engaged the militants, killing five terrorists described by the ISPR as Indian-sponsored.
The military’s media wing said the timely response by security forces thwarted the terrorists’ attempt to obstruct traffic and carry out activities that could threaten public safety and security in the area.
In a separate operation in Nushki district, security forces conducted a sanitisation operation after receiving intelligence about a suspected terrorist hideout. The troops raided the location, triggering an intense exchange of fire in which two terrorists were killed, according to the ISPR.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation, the statement added.
Meanwhile, security forces carried out another intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar district, where they engaged a terrorist hideout and killed one militant. During the operation, troops recovered a large quantity of explosives weighing approximately 490 kilogrammes.
The recovery of the explosives was a significant aspect of the operation, given the potential threat such material could pose if used in attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel, public places or infrastructure.
The ISPR said sanitisation operations were continuing in the affected areas to identify and eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure that the locations were cleared of militant threats.
Azm-e-Istehkam campaign to continue
Reaffirming the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorism, the ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their operations under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
The statement said the counterterrorism campaign would continue with full momentum to eradicate what Pakistan describes as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
The military has repeatedly emphasised the importance of intelligence-based operations in identifying militant hideouts, disrupting terrorist networks and preventing attacks before they can be carried out.
Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan and is home to strategically important infrastructure, including the Gwadar port, has experienced recurring militant violence. Security forces have continued operations across the province to counter attacks and dismantle suspected militant networks.
Mohsin Naqvi lauds security forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised security forces for their successful operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar, commending their professionalism, courage and operational effectiveness.
In a statement, the interior minister described the killing of eight terrorists as a significant achievement in the fight against militancy.
“The significant successes achieved by the security forces against Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists and their facilitators are commendable,” Naqvi said.
He maintained that terrorists and their facilitators would find no place to hide and reiterated the government’s commitment to combating terrorism.
Naqvi also said the nation stood firmly alongside the security forces in efforts to eliminate the threat of terrorism, stressing the importance of collective resolve in addressing the security challenges facing the country.
Recent operations in Balochistan
The latest operations came amid continued counterterrorism activity in Balochistan, where security forces have conducted a series of intelligence-led operations against militants in recent weeks.
According to earlier ISPR statements cited in reports, security forces killed five terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan during an intelligence-based operation in Washuk district on the night of October 12–13.
Another operation in the same district reportedly resulted in the killing of five terrorists and injuries to four others. Advanced weapons and ammunition were recovered during that operation.
The repeated operations underscore the security forces’ continuing efforts to target militant hideouts and prevent attacks across the province.
Rising security challenges across Pakistan
The latest developments come as Pakistan faces a renewed wave of militant violence, with attacks reported in several parts of the country over recent months. The incidents have resulted in the deaths of security personnel and civilians and prompted additional security measures and counterterrorism operations.
Last week, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured in an explosion targeting a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports.
On September 19, a bombing at a mosque in the Police Lines area of Kohat during Friday prayers claimed the lives of 23 people, including 15 police personnel. Eight terrorists were subsequently killed during a search and clearance operation. The Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan, led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, later claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports.
In another incident in Hangu district, a captain and a lieutenant were among six security personnel killed in an exchange of fire, while eight terrorists were also killed.
On September 1, six security personnel, including two officers, and a Customs Department official were martyred when security forces thwarted an attempted attack on the Customs House in Balochistan.
In July, an attack in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat killed at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, according to the account provided in earlier reports. The assault triggered prolonged exchanges of fire, while several civilians and police personnel were reportedly abducted.
Continued focus on eliminating militant networks
The latest operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar reflect the continuing security challenge posed by militant groups operating in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.
Security officials have consistently stressed that intelligence gathering, targeted operations and cooperation between security forces and law enforcement agencies remain central to efforts to prevent attacks and dismantle terrorist networks.
With sanitisation operations still underway in the three districts, the military said its campaign would continue until the threat posed by foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism was eliminated. The authorities have also reiterated their resolve to pursue those who facilitate militant activities and to maintain pressure on terrorist networks operating across the country.
