In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Pakistan’s security forces eliminated at least 18 India-backed terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, the military’s media wing confirmed on Thursday.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation took place in the Chiltan Mountains area of Quetta district, where troops engaged the terrorists’ hideout after receiving credible intelligence. Following an intense exchange of fire, fourteen India-backed terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan were killed on the spot.
In a second operation in Buleda, Kech district, security forces raided another terrorist hideout and successfully neutralized four more militants. The ISPR said a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the slain terrorists, who were involved in multiple acts of violence targeting both civilians and security personnel.
The statement added that sanitization operations are continuing in the region to ensure no remaining foreign-backed elements escape. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would continue “at full pace” to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored militancy from the country.
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their successful operations, paying rich tribute to the martyrs and reaffirming the government’s resolve to eliminate all threats to national security.
Pakistan has faced an uptick in terror incidents, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following the rise of the Afghan Taliban regime in 2021. Islamabad has consistently urged Kabul to act against militant groups operating from Afghan soil, but the Taliban government has largely ignored these concerns.
Tensions between the two neighbors recently flared after cross-border firing on October 12, which resulted in the martyrdom of 23 Pakistani soldiers. In response, Pakistani forces launched retaliatory strikes that reportedly killed over 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants inside Afghanistan.
Despite subsequent ceasefire talks in Doha and Istanbul, no concrete progress has been made. Pakistani officials described the Taliban delegation’s stance as “illogical” and “detached from ground realities,” leaving regional peace efforts at a standstill.
