Security forces killed five terrorists and injured four others during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Washuk district, according to state media.
Sources said terrorist hideouts were targeted using advanced weapons. State media identified the militants as members of Fitna al Hindustan, a term used by the state for designated Balochistan-based groups it accuses of involvement in terrorism and destabilisation in Pakistan.
The operation was conducted under Operation Raddul Fitna 3, with security personnel recovering advanced weapons and ammunition from the targeted area, state media reported.
“Security forces remain determined to eliminate terrorism from Balochistan,” state media said.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to security forces for the operation in a statement posted on X.
He said operations against terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace and security and spread fear among the public in Balochistan would continue.
Zardari added that attempts by the terrorists’ foreign supporters and their local facilitators to destabilise the country would be thwarted.
Balochistan has faced persistent security challenges and militant attacks over the years, prompting repeated counterterrorism operations across the province.
On October 10, the provincial Home Department reported that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had killed 10 terrorists during a targeted intelligence-based operation in Barkhan district.
On September 29, security forces killed two terrorists in Chagai district.
The military’s media affairs wing reported on September 27 that more than 71 terrorists had been killed in Shaban and other areas of Balochistan.
Earlier, on September 17, three terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Badrang area of Awaran district. Another three were killed in Mastung on September 14.
In separate engagements earlier in September, security forces killed 21 terrorists in Nokcha, Chagai, Ziarat Cross and Pishin.
According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist attacks in Balochistan increased by seven per cent, rising from 83 in July to 89 in August. The report identified Balochistan as the province most affected by terrorism during the period.
