Security forces have neutralized 19 terrorists affiliated with Indian-backed groups Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan during several engagements in Balochistan since September 21, the military’s media wing announced on Wednesday.
Intelligence agencies identified numerous terrorist hideouts in the Shaban area of Quetta, which posed a significant threat to local residents. To protect the population and eliminate these threats, security forces launched a clearance operation in Shaban, District Quetta, starting September 21.
Throughout the operation, troops successfully engaged and dismantled multiple terrorist strongholds. After fierce firefights, 13 terrorists were killed, and weapons, ammunition, and explosives were seized from the cleared locations. The operation is ongoing until the threat is fully eradicated.
In separate intelligence-driven operations on September 22 and 23 in District Kech and Quetta West, security forces confronted terrorists, resulting in six more militants killed and additional arms recovered.
During these clashes, Subedar Muhammad Jamil, aged 39 and a native of the area, was martyred while performing his duty, the military’s media wing confirmed.
In a significant development, the counter-terrorism campaign continues vigorously under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative, endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, following the Afghan Taliban’s return to power. A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlighted these two provinces as the main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP being the most affected region.
KP and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related deaths recorded in that period. KP alone reported over 61% (475) of fatalities, while Balochistan accounted for 34% (265). KP also experienced the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases representing 57% of the national total, followed by Balochistan with 94 incidents, or 35%, underscoring the concentration of militant activity in these provinces.
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