Iftikhar Ali Sahoo gets additional charge of Punjab Chief Secretary

QUETTA: Security forces have killed 15 terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across several districts of Balochistan, security sources said on Sunday. The operations were carried out under the ongoing Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3, targeting militant networks in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Noshki. According to security sources, the operations were launched following intelligence about the presence and movement of militants in the targeted areas. A significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered during the actions. Officials said the operations dealt a major blow to militant networks and disrupted their ability to move and operate across parts of the province. Security forces, they added, remain committed to continuing intelligence-driven operations until terrorist activity is eliminated. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for what he described as successful operations against militant groups. He commended the personnel for their professionalism and said the government would continue supporting efforts to counter terrorism. The latest operations come amid heightened security concerns in Balochistan, where militant attacks have targeted both civilians and security installations. Security forces have continued intensified operations in the province following a series of deadly attacks. Earlier, security forces reported killing 12 militants during intelligence-based operations in the Washuk and Mastung districts. Authorities have also launched joint operations involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police following recent attacks on security personnel and civilians. Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in militant violence in recent years, with Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa remaining among the most affected regions. Security agencies say intelligence-led operations will continue as part of broader efforts to prevent further attacks and dismantle militant networks.

  At least 10 terrorists affiliated with the India-backed group Fitna al-Hindustan were killed during an exchange of fire with security forces in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, according to security sources. The sources said the operation was launched in the Shor Parod mountainous region after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants linked to Fitna al-Hindustan, which Pakistani authorities describe as an Indian proxy group. During the operation, security personnel engaged the militants in an intense exchange of fire. At least 10 terrorists were killed, while several others sustained injuries, according to the security sources. The operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to counter militant activity in the province. Security officials reiterated their resolve to continue intelligence-based and targeted operations against terrorist groups until the threat of terrorism is eliminated from the country. They said security forces would remain vigilant and take action against militants involved in attacks and other violent activities. The latest development comes three days after another major security operation in Balochistan in which at least eight terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan were killed following the premature detonation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). According to security officials, the explosive device detonated while the militants were reportedly preparing it in Surab district. The premature blast killed several terrorists and disrupted what was believed to be an attempt to prepare an attack. Security forces subsequently launched an operation in the area. During the operation, personnel detected the movement of terrorists who were attempting to flee from the area. The security forces pursued the militants and killed 10 of them, according to officials. The incidents highlight the continuing security challenges faced by Balochistan, which has witnessed repeated militant attacks and counterterrorism operations in recent years. Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in terrorist activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Both provinces have remained major areas of concern for Pakistani security authorities because of the frequency and intensity of militant attacks. According to a report published by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP and Balochistan continued to be the country’s primary hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026. The report identified Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the worst-affected region during the period. It said the two provinces together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded across Pakistan during the quarter. Of the total number of deaths reported, more than 61%, or 475 fatalities, occurred in KP. Balochistan recorded 265 deaths, accounting for approximately 34% of the total. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also registered the highest number of violent incidents during the quarter. According to the CRSS report, the province recorded 151 incidents, representing 57% of all such incidents reported nationwide. Balochistan followed with 94 violent incidents, making up around 35% of the national total. The figures underline the concentration of militant activity and violence in the two provinces. Security forces have continued conducting operations in both regions to disrupt militant networks, prevent planned attacks and target individuals involved in terrorism. The latest operation in Khuzdar is part of these continuing counterterrorism efforts.