Security forces have successfully neutralized 17 terrorists supported by India during a series of intelligence-driven operations across various districts in Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Tuesday. These operations targeted militant hideouts in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar, and Ketch districts, following a deadly explosion near a railway track on May 24.
During the missions, troops engaged multiple terrorist positions, resulting in intense firefights. The ISPR statement highlighted that the elimination of these militants, affiliated with the India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan group, dealt a significant blow to terrorist networks active in the region. Weapons, ammunition, a substantial quantity of explosives, and ready-to-use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered from the deceased terrorists.
The militants had been involved in numerous terrorist activities across Balochistan. These operations came shortly after a tragic blast near the railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on May 24, which claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals, including three Frontier Corps personnel. Several others were injured, among them women and children, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government.
Pakistan has experienced a rise in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, since the Afghan Taliban assumed power in 2021. In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” resulting in the deaths of approximately 684 Afghan Taliban operatives and allied militants, with over 900 injured and 252 militant checkpoints destroyed, as stated by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
In a significant development in October 2025, border clashes erupted after unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants on Pakistani border posts. These confrontations led to the deaths of more than 200 Taliban fighters and allied militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred defending the border. Despite multiple rounds of dialogue, no agreement has been reached, largely due to the Afghan Taliban regime’s unwillingness to take decisive action against terrorist groups.