Rawalpindi, April 29, 2025: Security forces killed three militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Turbat area of Kech District, Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Tuesday.
According to the ISPR, the operation was launched following confirmed intelligence reports regarding the presence of terrorist elements — referred to as khawarij by the military — in the area. During the operation, a fierce exchange of fire took place, resulting in the elimination of three militants.
“A sanitization operation is underway to clear the area of any remaining threats,” the statement added. “Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute in their mission to root out the menace of terrorism from every corner of the country.”
This marks the latest in a series of counterterrorism operations across the country. Earlier this week, security forces conducted two separate IBOs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In South Waziristan, five militants were killed during an operation based on actionable intelligence. In a separate IBO in North Waziristan, a senior militant commander — identified as Zabihullah alias Zakiran — was gunned down. He was reportedly involved in multiple targeted killings of security personnel and civilians and was on the wanted list.
The recent operations reflect an intensifying effort by Pakistani security forces to dismantle terrorist networks, particularly in the western border regions of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have seen a resurgence of violence in recent months.
While the ISPR continues to use the term khawarij — a religious reference historically used to describe extremist rebels — the militants are widely believed to be affiliated with banned outfits such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and associated splinter groups.
Security analysts note that the increase in targeted operations suggests improved intelligence coordination and a proactive approach amid growing security challenges.
