Pakistan says more than 71 militants killed in Balochistan operations

Monday 28 September 2026 - 19:33

By: Azzat Manal

Pakistan says more than 71 militants killed in Balochistan operations

Pakistan’s military says security forces have killed more than 71 militants during a series of counterterrorism operations across Balochistan over a 96-hour period, as authorities intensify efforts against armed groups operating in the southwestern province.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said the operations were conducted in several areas, including Shaban in Quetta district, as well as Nushki and Mand. The military said the operations were based on intelligence identifying suspected militant hideouts and positions.

According to the ISPR, the main operation began on September 21 after intelligence agencies identified several hideouts in the Shaban area. Security forces subsequently carried out raids in Ziarat and surrounding areas, where the military said 33 militants were killed during exchanges of fire. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also reportedly recovered.

The military said the operation was intensified during the following 72 hours, resulting in a further 23 deaths among militants. It added that security forces had cleared a large area and that the operation would continue until what it described as the remaining threat was neutralised.

In separate intelligence-based operations, the ISPR reported that 11 militants were killed in Nushki district on September 25. Six others were reported killed in the Mand area, where security forces also said they recovered weapons and ammunition.

The Pakistani military identified the groups involved using its own terminology, referring to them as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan.” The ISPR has alleged that some of the armed groups operating in Balochistan receive support from abroad, including from Afghanistan and India. Those allegations were presented by the military and are not independently established by the reports reviewed.

The latest operations come amid persistent security challenges in Balochistan, a resource-rich province bordering Afghanistan and Iran. The region has faced attacks involving separatist and militant organisations for years, with Pakistani authorities repeatedly launching security operations in response.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported that terrorist attacks in Balochistan increased from 83 in July to 89 in August, highlighting the continued security pressure in the province.

The government has linked the latest campaign to its broader counterterrorism strategy under the “Azm-i-Istehkam” framework, which was approved through Pakistan’s National Action Plan. The military said security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue operations against armed groups.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces following the announcement, according to Pakistani media reports. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also voiced support for the continuing operations.

The reported death toll comes exclusively from the Pakistani military, and independent verification of the figures remains limited. The developments nevertheless underline the continuing security challenges facing Balochistan and the central role that counterterrorism operations continue to play in Pakistan’s domestic security policy.