In a decisive move to curb terrorism in Balochistan, Pakistan’s security forces carried out a meticulously planned Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in the Zhob District, successfully eliminating ten militants linked to foreign sponsorship. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that these militants were part of the Indian-backed proxy group known as Fitna-al-Khawarij, which has been involved in destabilizing activities across the region.
The operation, which took place on February 25, 2026, involved a thorough area-sanitization effort aimed at dismantling the entrenched cells of this proxy network. Security personnel tracked the militants through multiple routes, engaging them in a fierce exchange of fire that ultimately resulted in the death of all ten insurgents. This strategic offensive was designed not only to neutralize immediate threats but also to disrupt the operational capabilities of the group in the long term.
During the course of the raid, security forces recovered a substantial arsenal, including weapons, ammunition, and explosives, from the deceased militants. These materials underscore the level of preparation and intent behind the group’s terror activities, which have posed a serious challenge to peace and security in the Zhob region. The militants had been implicated in several violent incidents, highlighting the critical importance of this operation in restoring stability.
This recent IBO follows closely on the heels of another successful counter-terrorism operation conducted in Zhob on February 24, where eight Indian-sponsored militants were neutralized. Together, these consecutive operations reflect the ongoing commitment of Pakistan’s security apparatus to dismantle foreign-supported terrorist networks operating within its borders.
These efforts are part of the broader “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign, a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. This campaign emphasizes coordinated action by Pakistan’s Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to eradicate the menace of terrorism fueled by external actors. The continued sanitization operations in Zhob demonstrate the resolve to eliminate any remaining hostile elements and secure the region for its residents.
It is worth noting that the security forces’ persistent operations in Balochistan, particularly in volatile districts like Zhob, are crucial to maintaining national security and countering proxy warfare tactics. The success of these missions not only disrupts terrorist networks but also sends a strong message about Pakistan’s determination to protect its sovereignty against foreign interference.
