Pakistan security forces have eliminated more than 71 terrorists during a synchronized series of intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations conducted across Balochistan over the past 96 hours, the military's media wing confirmed in an official statement on Sunday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the sustained security offensive targeted militant hideouts and infiltration corridors belonging to banned militant outfits, designated by the state as Fitna Al-Khawarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan. The operations were launched following verified intelligence regarding coordinated plans to disrupt public order and target civilian infrastructure across multiple districts of the southwestern province.
Operation Shaban and Multi-District Sweeps
A central pillar of the security actions was Operation Shaban, which commenced in the Shaban area of Quetta district and adjacent mountainous terrain in Ziarat. Initial engagements resulted in the neutralization of 33 militants. As security forces intensified clearance operations over an ensuing 72-hour window, troops engaged fleeing cadres, resulting in the death of 23 additional terrorists in intense firefights.
Simultaneously, specialized counter-terrorism units launched targeted raids in southwestern sectors of the province. On September 25, an intelligence-driven operation in Nushki district resulted in the elimination of 11 militants after an extensive cordon-and-search maneuver. In a separate engagement in Mand near the border region, troops neutralized six armed militants attempting to establish operational staging camps.
Weapons Caches and Azm-e-Istehkam Framework
During the sanitization phase across Ziarat, Quetta, Nushki, and Mand, troops recovered substantial caches of automatic assault rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide vests, and communication gear. Military authorities stated that the neutralized networks operated with cross-border support and safe havens to execute destabilizing activities within Pakistani territory.
The military reiterated that all ongoing clearance measures are being executed under the overarching vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, a national resolve aimed at uprooting extremism and safeguarding national stability. Sanitization operations remain underway in surrounding ridgelines to eliminate any remaining remnants. For broader regional security context, review our coverage on border security operations in Gulistan and track continuous national developments on Pak Pulse 247 News.