QUETTA: Security forces killed at least 18 Indian-sponsored terrorists in separate operations in Quetta and Sherani, officials said on Wednesday.
According to security sources, a joint operation was conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Ghaza Band area on the outskirts of Quetta.
During an intense exchange of fire, security forces killed 10 Indian-sponsored terrorists. Two security personnel were injured in the gun battle.
A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the site.
Police said that the slain militants were involved in attacks on security forces and other subversive activities.
In a separate intelligence-based operation in Sherani district, eight militants belonging to the Fitna al-Khawaj goup were killed following a fierce clash.
Security officials confirmed the recovery of arms and ammunition from the militants.
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months, prompting intensified operations by security forces.
Just a day earlier, six militants, including a suicide bomber, were killed in an attack on the Frontier Constabulary headquarters on Quetta’s Hali Road.
The assault also left 10 people, including two FC personnel, martyred and more than 30 injured.
On September 24, security forces killed 13 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan, the military’s media wing said earlier.
According to ISPR, the militants belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij and were engaged in targeted killings, suicide bombings and abductions.
On a tip-off, troops raided the Daraban area where the militants were hiding and a heavy exchange of fire ensued taht resulted in the killing of 13 terrorists.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. The ISPR had noted that the group had facilitated a December 2023 suicide bombing in Daraban and was responsible for killing government officials and civilians.
The military reiterated its resolve to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan, stressing that groups such as TTP and allied outfits would now be formally referred to as Khawarij.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), militants carried out 28 attacks in Balochistan in August 2025, claiming 52 lives — 23 security personnel, 21 civilians, and eight militants — while injuring 45 others.
Militants also abducted at least five people. Security forces killed 50 militants in August, the highest monthly toll since June 2015.