Security Forces Kill 11 Terrorists in Balochistan IBOs

Security forces killed 11 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kharan and Washuk districts, while recovering a large stock of explosives, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing on Wednesday. The operations were carried out on September 6 and 7 after intelligence indicated the presence of militants described by authorities as belonging to the Fitna Al Hindustan network.

The first engagement took place in Kharan on September 6 after armed militants attempted to establish a roadblock and disrupt local traffic. Security personnel moved to intercept them and an exchange of fire followed. Eight militants were killed during the operation, according to the official account, preventing the group from maintaining control of the route or further disrupting movement in the area.

A second intelligence-based operation was launched in Washuk district the following day after information was received about another militant presence. Troops targeted a hideout during the operation, leading to an intense exchange of fire in which three more militants were killed. Security personnel subsequently searched the location and recovered approximately 2.9 tonnes of explosives.

Authorities said the seized explosive material was intended for the preparation of improvised explosive devices. The scale of the recovery was described as significant because it potentially prevented material capable of being used in multiple attacks from reaching operational cells. Clearance and sanitisation activity continued in the area to determine whether any additional militants, weapons or explosive material remained nearby.

The military said security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, which forms part of Pakistan’s broader effort to confront militant violence and dismantle networks operating in vulnerable areas. The campaign combines intelligence-led security actions with measures intended to prevent militants from rebuilding operational capacity after raids and clashes.

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani praised the personnel involved in the operations and described the recovery of the explosives in Washuk as an important success. He commended the courage and professional capability of the security forces and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. He also said the country remained united behind personnel working to restore lasting peace and stability, including in Balochistan.

The operations come amid continuing security pressure in Balochistan, where authorities have intensified counterterrorism activity following a series of militant incidents. Recent weeks have seen attacks on security positions and highways as well as repeated intelligence-based operations across several districts. Security assessments have also indicated that militant activity in the province remained elevated during August, keeping law-enforcement agencies on heightened alert.

The immediate focus will remain on completing clearance operations in Kharan and Washuk and analysing the seized material for intelligence that could help identify supply routes, facilitators or other members of militant networks. The recovery of nearly three tonnes of explosives is likely to become a key part of the investigation as authorities seek to determine where the material originated, how it was transported and what potential targets may have been under consideration.