Quetta, August 16, 2026: Security forces killed seven militants in an intelligence-based operation in Kharan district of Balochistan, security sources said on Sunday, as counterterrorism operations continued under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3.
According to the sources, the operation was carried out in the Lajay area after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants there.
Seven militants described by the sources as members of Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during the operation, while several others were wounded.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and other military equipment from the militants’ hideouts. One motorcycle and two vehicles found at the locations were also destroyed, according to the sources.
The militants were allegedly involved in planning and carrying out criminal and terrorist activities, including extortion, kidnapping, target killings and suicide attacks, the sources said.
The latest operation came a day after security forces killed 10 militants during an exchange of fire in Khuzdar district.
According to security sources, that operation was conducted in the Shor Parod mountainous range after reports of the presence of militants affiliated with what the authorities describe as Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan. Several militants were also wounded in the operation.
Security forces have intensified counterterrorism operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid a sustained rise in militant violence in the two provinces.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activity since 2021, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the return of the Afghan Taliban to power.
A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) identified KP and Balochistan as the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP emerging as the worst-affected province.
The report said the two provinces together accounted for nearly 96 per cent of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. KP recorded more than 61 per cent, or 475 deaths, while Balochistan accounted for 34 per cent, or 265 fatalities.
KP also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing 57 per cent of the national total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, accounting for 35 per cent.
The latest operations underscore the security forces’ cntinuing efforts to disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks in areas affected by rising terrorist activity.
