Five terrorists killed in Panjgur operation
News Desk
Islamabad: Security forces have stepped up counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, killing five suspected terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operation was carried out on August 10 as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks operating in the province. The five militants were identified by ISPR as members of ‘Fitna Al Hindustan’.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the operation site, which were subsequently destroyed, ISPR said. A sanitisation operation was launched in the area after the encounter to ensure that no remaining threats were present.
The latest operation comes amid an intensified security campaign in Balochistan, where militant activity has remained a major challenge. ISPR said counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue with full momentum to counter what it described as foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism.
The development follows another major security operation earlier this month, in which 15 militants were killed in intelligence-based operations across several districts of Balochistan, including Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki.
The continued operations come against the backdrop of a broader rise in militant violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A recent report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) identified the two provinces as Pakistan’s primary violence hotspots during the second quarter of 2026. Together, they accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded nationwide during the period.
According to the report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 475 deaths, or more than 61% of the national total, while Balochistan reported 265 fatalities, accounting for around 34%.
KP also registered the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing 57% of the national total. Balochistan recorded 94 incidents, or 35%.
The figures underline the scale of the security challenge confronting both provinces as security forces continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting militant networks and preventing further attacks.
ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign would continue under the framework of Azm-e-Istehkam until the threat posed by militant groups and their alleged foreign support is eliminated.
