Pakistan Forces Kill 12 Terrorists in Balochistan IBOs
RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 12 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Thursday, marking another major counterterrorism development in the province.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out under the ongoing Rad-ul-Fitna-3 campaign, which authorities describe as part of a wider effort to dismantle militant networks and foreign-sponsored terrorism inside Pakistan.
The first operation took place in Washuk district on August 5 after security forces detected the movement of six terrorists. Troops engaged the suspects after tracking their activity, and all six were killed during the operation, according to the ISPR statement.
A second intelligence-based operation was conducted in Mastung district on August 6, where another six terrorists were killed after an exchange of fire with security forces. The military also said a terrorist hideout was destroyed during the action, reducing the group’s operational capacity in the area.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the Balochistan operations and said their actions reflected Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of law enforcement and military personnel and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to pursue all forms of militancy.
The ISPR said the operations were linked to the broader Azm-e-Istehkam vision approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. The framework is aimed at sustaining coordinated action by security forces and law enforcement agencies against terrorist networks across the country.
Balochistan has remained one of Pakistan’s most sensitive security regions because of its vast terrain, border linkages and repeated attacks on civilians, security personnel and infrastructure. Security agencies have intensified intelligence-based operations in recent months after a series of deadly incidents in different districts of the province.
The latest action also comes as the state continues to describe Balochistan-based militant outfits as Fitna Al Hindustan, a term used by officials to highlight what Pakistan says is foreign backing for destabilising violence. Islamabad has repeatedly accused hostile networks of exploiting local vulnerabilities to target national security and public order.
For Pakistan, successful intelligence-based operations in Balochistan carry both security and political significance. Improved law and order is essential for protecting communities, restoring confidence, safeguarding development projects and ensuring that trade routes and public infrastructure remain functional.
Authorities are expected to continue follow-up operations in the affected areas to identify facilitators, recover weapons and prevent regrouping. The coming days will show whether the Mastung and Washuk actions disrupt a wider network or lead to further intelligence-led raids across Balochistan.