Security Forces Kill 12 Terrorists in Kalat Operation, ISPR Says

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan's security forces killed 12 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Kalat district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations, marking a fresh counterterrorism development in a province that remains one of the country's main security hotspots. The military disclosed the operation on Friday, September 4, saying it had been carried out on September 2 after information was received about a militant presence in the area.

According to ISPR, the operation targeted members of a group the military describes as the Indian-backed Fitna al Hindustan. Security personnel located and monitored a militant hideout before moving against it in a targeted action. The military said all 12 terrorists present at the location were killed during the operation, while ammunition and improvised explosive devices found at the site were destroyed.

Security forces subsequently began sanitisation operations in the surrounding area to determine whether any additional militants remained nearby. ISPR said the campaign against terrorism would continue under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. The military maintained that operations would continue against groups it says receive support from outside Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces following the operation and reiterated the government's resolve to continue action against terrorism. He said personnel conducting counterterrorism operations were working to prevent militants from undermining peace in Balochistan and stressed that the government would not allow armed groups to achieve their objectives. President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the forces and reaffirmed the state's commitment to eliminating terrorism.

The Kalat operation comes amid continuing security activity across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The two provinces have accounted for the overwhelming majority of Pakistan's violence-related fatalities in recent security assessments, reflecting the concentration of militant attacks and counterterrorism operations in areas close to the country's western frontier and in parts of Balochistan affected by separatist violence.

The latest operation also follows other recent military actions against militants attempting to enter Pakistan or operate from remote areas. Security authorities have repeatedly said intelligence-based operations remain a central part of the country's counterterrorism strategy, allowing forces to identify suspected hideouts and networks before carrying out targeted raids. Islamabad has also continued to accuse hostile external actors of supporting militant organisations operating against Pakistan, allegations that have become a recurring feature of official statements on attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

For Pakistan, the immediate focus after the Kalat operation will be on completing clearance activity and monitoring the area for any remaining security threat. Authorities are expected to continue intelligence-led actions across vulnerable districts as part of the broader national campaign against militancy. The government's public response indicates that counterterrorism operations in Balochistan will remain a priority, with officials presenting the latest Kalat action as part of a sustained effort to protect civilians, security installations and regional stability.