In a major breakthrough against rising militancy, security forces neutralised 12 India-backed terrorists belonging to the group Fitna al-Hindustan during a swift and precise intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Kalat district, the military’s media wing confirmed on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation conducted on December 6 was launched after credible intelligence about the terrorists’ presence in the area. The IBO quickly turned into a fierce exchange of fire, ultimately resulting in the elimination of all 12 militants.

Officials stated that a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the site. These militants were reportedly involved in multiple attacks and destabilising activities in the region.

As part of the ongoing Azm-e-Istehkam campaign, security forces are now conducting thorough sanitisation operations across Kalat to ensure no India-backed terrorists remain in hiding.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the forces for their “remarkable success,” saying the nation stands firmly with its armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed that Pakistan remains resolute in eliminating terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations.”

This latest action comes just days after the ISPR reported the killing of 14 terrorists in three separate operations in KP and Balochistan. Terror activities have surged since 2021, coinciding with the Afghan Taliban’s return to power.

ISPR DG Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently revealed that 67,023 IBOs have been conducted nationwide this year, with 12,857 operations in KP and 53,309 in Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of 1,873 terrorists, including 136 Afghan nationals.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent cross-border attacks, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.