Security forces have intensified their anti-terror operation in Balochistan’s Zhob district, eliminating three more militants. The latest action raises the total number of neutralised fighters to 50 in the four-day anti-infiltration campaign in the Sambaza area near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday. It said the militants were linked to the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khwarij — the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The action took place on the night between August 10 and August 11.
According to ISPR, security personnel also seized weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the militants. The military reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard the country’s borders and foil any attempt to disrupt Pakistan’s peace, stability, and progress.
The anti-terror operation has been ongoing since early August. On the night between August 7 and 8, security forces neutralised 33 militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan. Another engagement on August 9 resulted in the deaths of 14 more terrorists, bringing the total at that time to 47.
The Pakistan Army has earlier accused India of escalating its proxy war after facing defeat in the May conflict. The army warned that such proxies will face the same crushing defeat as New Delhi.
Cross-border militant activity has surged since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Bordering regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have seen the highest increase in violence.
A report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) detailed the rising trend. In June alone, the country recorded 78 terrorist attacks, claiming 100 lives. The victims included 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of local peace committees.
The attacks and subsequent counter-terrorism operations also injured 189 people. Among them were 126 security personnel and 63 civilians. Overall, June’s violence and operations caused 175 deaths — 55 security personnel, 77 militants, 41 civilians, and two peace committee members.
Pakistan’s security forces say their anti-terror drive will continue until every threat to the nation’s peace is neutralised.
