Rawalpindi, August 6, 2026: Security forces killed 12 terrorists during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts as part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign against militant groups operating in the province, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted under the ongoing “Radul Fitna” campaign targeting what it described as Fitna-al-Hindustan, a term used by Pakistan for Balochistan-based militant groups it alleges are backed by India.
The ISPR said security forces detected the movement of six terrorists in Washuk district on August 5 and launched a targeted operation.
“Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists, and as a result of a precise and skilful operation, all six terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna-al-Hindustan were killed,” the statement said.
In a separate intelligence-based operation carried out in Mastung district on Thursday, security forces engaged another group of militants in an intense exchange of fire, killing six terrorists. The operation also resulted in the destruction of a terrorist hideout.
The military said weapons, ammunition and other militant infrastructure were recovered and destroyed during the operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to eliminating terrorism, the ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations across the country under the Azm-i-Istehkam national counterterrorism strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan.
The latest operations come amid intensified counterterrorism efforts in Balochistan following a series of deadly militant attacks in the province.
Last week, security forces killed eight militants during multiple intelligence-based operations in Nushki district, while weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices were recovered and destroyed.
Earlier this month, security forces and law enforcement agencies launched Operation Shaban following the July 6 attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat, where 27 police personnel were abducted and killed.
Authorities also initiated Operation Al-Azm after militants attacked a Karachi-bound passenger coach travelling from Quetta, leaving three people dead and five others injured.
Pakistan has witnessed a renewed surge in militant violence in recent months, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Balochistan remained the country’s worst-affected province in May, recording 71 terrorist attacks compared with 34 in April, representing an increase of 109 per cent. The report also noted that 52 of the 54 kidnappings reported nationwide during the month occurred in Balochistan, highlighting the growing operational capability of militant groups in the province.
