Quetta, September 9, 2026: Security forces killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Washuk districts, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted on September 6 and 7 following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to what the military describes as the Indian proxy network “Fitna al Hindustan”.
In Kharan, eight terrorists were killed after they attempted to establish a roadblock and disrupt traffic, ISPR said.
“Security forces promptly intercepted and engaged the terrorists,” the statement said, adding that eight terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
In a separate operation in Washuk district, security forces targeted a suspected terrorist hideout on September 7. ISPR said three terrorists were killed following an intense exchange of fire.
The forces also recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives allegedly being used to prepare improvised explosive devices (IEDs), according to ISPR.
Sanitisation operations were subsequently under way to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, the military said.
ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their counterterrorism campaign under Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately praised the security forces for the operations.
President Zardari said the “nefarious designs” of terrorists allegedly operating under Indian patronage would be thwarted, adding that operations would continue until the complete eradication of the Fitna al Hindustan network.
Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the forces for foiling the attempt to block a road and disrupt traffic in Kharan and praised their professional capabilities for destroying the terrorist hideout in Washuk.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces, saying the government and security agencies remained determined to eliminate what he called Indian-sponsored terrorists.
The latest operations come amid a recent increase in terrorist attacks in Balochistan, prompting intensified counterterrorism operations across the province.
On the night of August 31 and September 1, militants attacked a Customs House at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway in Pishin district. ISPR said security forces killed 10 terrorists during the operation, while six personnel, including two officers, were martyred.
On August 31, security forces also killed 11 terrorists in Chagai’s Nokcha area after militants allegedly blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway and established an illegal checkpoint, according to ISPR.
On September 2, 12 terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district, while on September 4, ISPR reported that 36 terrorists had been killed during multiple operations in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts.
The operations included the foiling of an attack on a police station in Sibi’s Bhag area.
According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Balochistan recorded 89 terrorist attacks in August, up seven per cent from 83 in July.
