Pakistan’s security forces have killed more than 70 militants in a series of actions across Balochistan over the past four days, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Sunday. The military’s media wing said those killed belonged to groups it labels Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, and described them as India-sponsored.
In its statement, the ISPR called the outcome a heavy blow to what it termed Indian-backed Afghan proxies.
What Happened in Operation Shaban
According to the ISPR, intelligence agencies located several militant hideouts in the Shaban area of Quetta district. The military said these positions posed a direct danger to the local population.
“Based on credible intelligence, Pakistan Security Forces launched a swift operation against the terrorists in Ziarat and surrounding areas on September 21,” the ISPR said.
Troops engaged the militants and cleared multiple hideouts during Operation Shaban. The ISPR said 33 militants have died so far in intense exchanges of fire, and that weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the sites.
The operation was stepped up over the last 72 hours, the military said, and 23 more terrorists were killed in that period. Security forces have also cleared a large area, easing the threat faced by nearby communities. The ISPR added that the clearance work will go on until the threat is completely eliminated.
Other Actions in Nushki and Mand
Separate intelligence-based operations took place elsewhere in the province. On September 25, security forces struck a militant hideout in Nushki district and killed 11 terrorists. Six more were killed in Mand, where a large cache of weapons and ammunition was also seized.
“As the Pakistan Army’s operation progresses, more than 71 terrorists have been killed so far in Operation Shaban and other areas of Balochistan in last 96 hours,” the ISPR said.
ISPR Blames Afghan Taliban Regime and India
The military’s media wing said the Afghan Taliban regime’s involvement in terrorism inside Pakistan, backed and sponsored by India, continues to cost precious lives and threaten peace and stability. It vowed that the counterterrorism campaign will carry on with full resolve.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to rooting out foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, the ISPR said.
Rise in Cross-Border Attacks Since 2021
Pakistan has recorded a sharp increase in cross-border terrorist incidents, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly asked Kabul to stop its territory from being used by militant groups to stage attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban authorities have not taken effective action against groups responsible for attacks on its security forces and civilians.
