35 Terrorists Killed In Major Quetta Hills Security Operation

Balochistan authorities said security forces killed 35 terrorists during a major intelligence-based operation in the mountainous areas around Quetta, marking one of the most significant security actions reported from the province in recent days. The operation, according to provincial officials, focused on the Mangla Zarghoon Gar area on the outskirts of the provincial capital.

The Balochistan government said the action began on May 13 and continued for four days as security personnel moved against suspected hideouts in difficult hilly terrain. Officials stated that several camps and shelters used by armed groups were destroyed during the operation, while three alleged commanders were taken into custody.

The announcement came amid heightened security concerns in Quetta and surrounding districts after a series of violent incidents unsettled the province. Earlier rocket attacks in the provincial capital had raised alarm, while road disruptions and attacks on transport routes added to fears of a broader militant threat.

Chief Minister’s aide Shahid Rind said the security operation had targeted organised militant positions and resulted in the arrest of key commanders. Separately, provincial officials said the state would continue action against terrorists and their facilitators until militancy was eliminated from the region.

Alongside the operation, the Balochistan government imposed Section 144 across the province for 30 days, introducing wide-ranging restrictions to maintain public order. The measures include bans on weapons display, pillion riding, tinted vehicle windows, unregistered motorcycles, large gatherings and face coverings that may obstruct identification.

Officials said the restrictions were approved by the provincial home authorities and communicated to commissioners, deputy commissioners, police and law enforcement agencies for immediate implementation. The government described the move as a preventive step aimed at reducing the risk of further attacks or organised unrest.

The latest security action follows a tense period in Balochistan, where attacks on infrastructure and transport routes have repeatedly disrupted civilian life and economic movement. Last week, traffic on the Quetta-Taftan road was affected after a bridge was blown up in Mastung, while trucks carrying goods from Iran were also reportedly set on fire.

Pakistan Railways also suspended train services from Balochistan to other parts of the country for two days, citing unavoidable circumstances. The Jaffar Express from Quetta to Peshawar was cancelled for May 18 and 19, while the service was limited to Jacobabad instead of operating fully to and from Quetta.

For Pakistan, the development carries serious security and governance implications because Balochistan remains strategically important for regional trade, border movement and national connectivity. Continued attacks in and around Quetta not only threaten public safety but also increase pressure on provincial authorities to protect transport corridors, markets and public spaces.

The coming days will show whether the operation and province-wide restrictions can reduce the immediate threat level. Authorities are expected to remain on high alert, while residents and travellers in Balochistan may continue to face tighter security checks, movement limits and temporary disruption as the government pursues follow-up action.