ISPR says security forces killed 24 militants in intelligence-based operations across North Waziristan and Balochistan, while four Pakistan Army personnel embraced martyrdom.
RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 24 terrorists in intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while four Pakistan Army personnel, including a major, embraced martyrdom during separate engagements, the military’s media wing said Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations targeted members of the India-sponsored groups identified by the military as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
In Balochistan, security forces have been conducting intelligence-based operations around Kolpur, Kardagap and Nushki since Nov. 13, alongside surveillance and patrolling along the Quetta-Taftan National Highway (N-40) to protect local commuters.
During an operation in Kolpur on the night of Nov. 13-14, troops killed eight terrorists, including a suspected suicide bomber. Security personnel also recovered a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition from their possession.
However, terrorists targeted military vehicles with armed quadcopters during a patrol on Nov. 14, resulting in the martyrdom of Major Omer Minhas Nasir, a resident of Chakwal, and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan, from Kotli Sattian.
The ISPR said the soldiers fought bravely during the attack and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. It added that the incident would not weaken the determination of security forces to eliminate terrorism.
The military also said terrorists were using drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other technological equipment to target security personnel and civilians. It alleged that India continued to provide financial assistance and advanced equipment to the Fitna al-Hindustan network.
In a separate series of operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces killed 16 terrorists, while two army personnel embraced martyrdom.
According to the ISPR, troops targeted suspected hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij in Mir Ali, Datta Khel and surrounding areas of North Waziristan.
During intense exchanges of fire in Ali Khel over the preceding 12 hours, security forces killed 12 terrorists, including two Afghan nationals allegedly linked to the India-sponsored network.
Troops also killed two militants each in Mir Ali and Datta Khel, the military said.
However, Havildar Asmat Ali, 43, from Swabi, and Naik Aftab Ali, 32, from Mardan, lost their lives while confronting the militants.
The ISPR said both soldiers displayed exceptional courage during the engagements. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed militants, who were allegedly involved in several terrorist activities, including attacks on civilians.
Sanitisation operations are continuing in the affected areas to eliminate any remaining threats.
The military reiterated that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with full intensity. The initiative was approved by the federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan to strengthen the country’s efforts against terrorism.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan.
A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) identified the two provinces as the country’s most affected regions during the second quarter of 2026.
According to the report, KP recorded 475 violence-related deaths, accounting for more than 61% of the nationwide total, while Balochistan reported 265 fatalities, representing 34%.
The provinces also accounted for 245 violent incidents combined, with 151 reported in KP and 94 in Balochistan, highlighting the concentration of militant violence in the two regions.
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