In a significant development in Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism, security forces successfully eliminated fifteen terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations carried out in Balochistan. These militants were identified as members of Indian-backed groups, Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan, which have been involved in destabilizing activities across the region. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the operations and their outcomes on Saturday, highlighting the continued commitment of Pakistan’s security apparatus to safeguard national security.
The first operation took place on March 5, 2025, in the Harnai District, where intelligence reports had indicated the presence of Khwarij militants. Acting swiftly on this information, security forces launched a targeted assault on the militant hideout. The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, which lasted several hours. Ultimately, twelve militants affiliated with the Indian-sponsored Khwarij faction were killed during this intense encounter. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led actions in disrupting terrorist networks before they could execute their plans.
Meanwhile, another intelligence-based operation was conducted in Basima District, also in Balochistan, where security forces tracked and confronted a group of terrorists. Utilizing a combination of small and medium calibre weapons, the troops engaged the militants in a heavy firefight. After a sustained exchange of gunfire, three terrorists linked to Indian proxies were neutralized. The forces also recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the site, which militants had been using to orchestrate attacks. These seizures further underscore the persistent threat posed by foreign-backed terrorist outfits operating within Pakistan’s borders.
The ISPR emphasized that sanitization operations are ongoing in both districts to ensure the complete eradication of any remaining hostile elements. These efforts form part of a broader counterterrorism campaign under the banner of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a strategic initiative approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. This campaign reflects Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism, particularly those groups receiving foreign support aimed at undermining the country’s stability.
It is important to place these recent operations within the wider context of Pakistan’s security challenges. Just days earlier, on March 3, Pakistani forces repelled coordinated attacks by Afghan Taliban militants across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During these clashes, at least 67 militants were killed and many others wounded, as the security forces thwarted assaults on multiple fronts. The Taliban had launched attacks at 16 locations in northern Balochistan, including districts such as Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, and Chaman, as well as engaging troops in 25 separate fire raids. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed that all these attacks were successfully repulsed, with 27 militants killed in Balochistan alone.
These developments highlight the ongoing volatility in Pakistan’s western regions, where militant groups continue to challenge the state’s authority. However, the determination and coordination between Pakistan’s military and law enforcement agencies remain strong, as they persistently work to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace. The recent operations in Harnai and Basima serve as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven counterterrorism measures and the unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s security forces to protect the nation from foreign-sponsored threats.
