Operation Shaban Toll Rises as 105 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan

Security forces killed three more terrorists during the continuing Operation Shaban in Balochistan on Sunday, according to state media, marking the latest development in a fast-moving counterterrorism campaign. The fresh update raised the reported number of terrorists killed in Operation Shaban to 67, while the wider toll from Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations in the province since July 5 reached 105.

The operation is being carried out jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police, with both ground and aerial actions reported against militants described by the state as Fitna-al-Khawarij. Officials say the campaign is focused on dismantling networks involved in recent attacks and preventing further violence in the province.

The latest phase follows the deadly assault in the Mangi Dam area of Ziarat, where police personnel were targeted and several officers were martyred. Security officials have linked the ongoing operation to the search for those responsible for the attack, as well as their facilitators and support networks operating in difficult terrain.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the army, FC and police for the latest action, describing the campaign as a reflection of the state's commitment to national security. He said Pakistan would not provide space to terrorists and that the nation stood behind the security forces as operations continued.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier said during a high-level meeting in Quetta that the civil and military leadership had reached a common decision to end terrorism through coordinated action. His remarks came after a series of major attacks in Balochistan that intensified pressure on authorities to respond with a broader security strategy.

According to the military's earlier briefing, dozens of people, including civilians, police officers and security personnel, have lost their lives in attacks and related operations in Balochistan since July 5. The toll has deepened concerns among local communities and renewed national debate over the scale of the security challenge facing the province.

Balochistan's vast geography, mountainous routes and scattered settlements make counterterrorism operations especially complex. Security officials say intelligence-led actions are being combined with area control measures to restrict militant movement, recover weapons and disrupt planning networks.

The campaign also carries wider implications for Pakistan's internal security and provincial stability. A prolonged wave of violence can affect public confidence, local administration, mobility, investment and development work in Balochistan, making the outcome of the operation significant beyond immediate battlefield gains.

Authorities are expected to maintain pressure in the coming days as Operation Shaban continues. The next phase will depend on actionable intelligence, coordination among security institutions and the ability to prevent retaliatory attacks while protecting civilians in affected areas.