In a significant development within Pakistan’s ongoing campaign against terrorism, security forces successfully eliminated 15 terrorists with alleged backing from India during multiple intelligence-driven operations conducted in Balochistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement on Saturday detailing these operations, underscoring the military’s continued resolve to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the country.
The first operation took place in the Harnai district, where security agencies acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij. Following a fierce encounter, 12 terrorists were killed, marking a major blow to the group’s operational capabilities in the region. This district has long been a hotspot for insurgent activity, making the success of this operation a crucial step in restoring stability.
Simultaneously, another intelligence-based operation was carried out in the Basima district. Here, security forces targeted and neutralized three terrorists linked to Fitna al-Hindustan, a group reportedly supported by foreign entities. The combined efforts in these two districts resulted in the elimination of 15 militants, with security personnel also recovering a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. These materials were believed to be actively used in planning and executing terrorist attacks across the province.
The ISPR emphasized that sanitization efforts are ongoing to root out any remaining India-sponsored terrorists in Balochistan. This is part of a broader, relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the strategic vision named “Azm-e-Istehkam,” which involves coordinated action by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies. The campaign aims to eradicate the persistent threat of foreign-backed terrorism that continues to challenge the country’s internal security.
High-level political leadership has also acknowledged and praised the success of these operations. President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the professionalism and determination displayed by the security forces in eliminating terrorists operating under Indian patronage. He reiterated that combating foreign-backed terrorism remains a top national priority and expressed solidarity with the armed forces in their mission to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significant progress made by security agencies in their fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to completely eradicate terrorism from Pakistan, emphasizing that these efforts are crucial for the country’s peace and development.
It is important to note that since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border terrorist activities, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, which share extensive borders with Afghanistan. This increase has prompted Pakistan to launch “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” a large-scale military campaign targeting Afghan Taliban militants operating within Pakistan and along the border areas.
During this operation, Pakistani forces have reportedly killed at least 527 Afghan Taliban fighters and injured over 755 others. Additionally, 237 militant checkposts have been destroyed, 38 militants captured, and a significant number of military assets including 205 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery guns have been neutralized. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed these figures during a recent briefing, highlighting the intensity and scale of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Prior to “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” Pakistan also conducted airstrikes targeting seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. These strikes, carried out in the Afghan provinces of Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost, resulted in the deaths of more than 80 militants. These actions were in response to a series of suicide attacks and cross-border incursions that threatened Pakistan’s security.
It is worth recalling that in October 2025, tensions escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan when the Afghan Taliban and associated militant groups launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts. The ensuing clashes resulted in the deaths of over 200 Taliban and allied militants, while Pakistan mourned the loss of 23 soldiers who were killed defending the country’s frontiers. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic talks, no lasting agreement has been reached, largely due to the Afghan Taliban regime’s reluctance to take decisive action against terrorist outfits operating from its territory.
These recent operations in Balochistan and ongoing military campaigns along the border underscore Pakistan’s steadfast determination to confront and eliminate terrorism, especially threats that are supported or sponsored by foreign actors. The government and security forces remain committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country by neutralizing all elements that seek to undermine national security.
