Pakistan’s security forces have killed nine suspected militants during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing, which alleged that the individuals were backed by India.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations were carried out on October 26 in response to reports about the presence of members of a group referred to by the state as Fitna al-Hindustan.
The term is used by Pakistani authorities to describe Balochistan-based militant groups and to highlight allegations of Indian involvement in terrorism and destabilisation activities in Pakistan. These allegations are attributed to Pakistani authorities.
During the first operation in Kachhi district, security forces targeted a suspected militant hideout, triggering an exchange of fire in which seven militants were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, the statement said.
In a separate operation in Wadh, security personnel tracked and intercepted the movement of suspected militants. Two individuals were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire, according to the ISPR.
The military said clearance and search operations were continuing in the affected areas to locate any other suspected militants.
It added that counterterrorism efforts under the national security initiative Azm-e-Istehkam would continue to target what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces, praising their professional capabilities in a statement posted on X.
He said efforts by foreign actors and their local facilitators to destabilise Pakistan would be thwarted, adding that the nation stood alongside its security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the personnel involved in the operations, saying those seeking to undermine Pakistan’s security and peace would not succeed in their objectives.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the prime minister described counterterrorism efforts as vital to eliminating militancy and establishing lasting peace. He reaffirmed the government’s support for security forces in their campaign against terrorism.
Balochistan has experienced persistent militant violence in recent years, prompting security forces to intensify intelligence-led operations across the province.
On October 18, an army major was martyred and four suspected militants were killed during multiple intelligence-based operations in the province. A day earlier, security forces reported killing eight militants described by authorities as India-backed in operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar.
During an operation in Washuk district on the night of October 12–13, security forces also killed five suspected militants after targeting a hideout, according to the ISPR.
In separate operations reported later in the month, provincial officials said six suspected members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two alleged female suicide bombers and two commanders of a banned organisation had been arrested across Balochistan.
Officials said around 90 arrested suspects were being held at a facility where investigations and legal proceedings were underway.
Earlier in October, security forces also reported killing five suspected militants in Mastung district.
Data published by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) showed that militant violence increased across Pakistan in September 2026.
The institute recorded 225 attacks nationwide, compared with 199 in August, representing a 13.1 per cent increase and the highest monthly total in 12 years, according to its report.
Balochistan accounted for 131 attacks, or 58.2 per cent of the national total, making it the principal area affected by militant violence during the reporting period.
The report also documented 74 counterterrorism operations in which 280 suspected militants were killed. Balochistan accounted for 35 of those operations and 171 reported militant deaths.
