Six militants killed as forces dismantle 'terrorist formation' in Dalbandin

Security sources said Wednesday that Pakistani forces tracked a militant formation hiding in the mountainous reaches of Dalbandin, Chagai, through aerial reconnaissance and launched a precise operation. The formation was dismantled and six members were killed, the sources added, describing the action as part of ongoing efforts to reduce threats to troops and civilians in Balochistan.

In a separate intelligence-based operation in the Shahi Tangi forest area of Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces destroyed tunnels and hideouts used by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. One militant was killed in an exchange of fire while several others fled with injuries. Weapons, explosives and communication gear were recovered from the site, officials said.

Pakistan has seen a rise in cross-border attacks since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban took power across the border. Tensions have escalated over what Islamabad calls the use of Afghan soil by militant groups for attacks inside Pakistan. After assaults on multiple army posts on October 12, Pakistani strikes targeted militant positions in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Kabul, with officials claiming more than 200 militants were killed while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.

Both sides have since agreed to a ceasefire, with delegations from Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban due to meet in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss security concerns and related issues.