Security Forces Report Killing of More Than 71 Militants in Balochistan Operations

September 27, 2026: Security forces have killed more than 71 militants during a series of counterterrorism operations conducted across Balochistan over the past 96 hours, with the military reporting the clearance of multiple hideouts and recovery of weapons, ammunition and explosives as operations continue in several parts of the province.

Operation Shaban

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the latest operations were launched following intelligence reports identifying multiple militant hideouts in the Shaban area of Quetta district and surrounding areas. Security forces initiated an operation in Ziarat and adjoining areas on September 21, subsequently clearing several hideouts following intense exchanges of fire, while the military said the operation was expanded over the following days as troops continued efforts to clear the affected areas.

ISPR said 33 militants had been killed so far during Operation Shaban, with a substantial quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives recovered from the cleared locations. The military further reported that the operation was intensified during the preceding 72 hours, resulting in the killing of another 23 militants and the clearance of a wider area that, according to the statement, had posed a security threat to nearby communities. The clearance operation remains underway, ISPR said.

Operations in Nushki and Mand

Separate intelligence-based operations were also conducted in other parts of Balochistan. In Nushki district, security forces engaged a reported militant hideout on September 25 and killed 11 militants, according to ISPR, while another operation in Mand resulted in the reported killing of six militants and the recovery of weapons and ammunition. Combined with the operations in Shaban and surrounding areas, the military put the overall number killed during the 96-hour period at more than 71.

The military said the operations were directed against groups it describes as “Fitna Al-Khawarij” and “Fitna Al-Hindustan,” and alleged that these groups receive foreign backing. These characterisations and the military’s allegations regarding Indian and Afghan Taliban involvement are positions stated by ISPR; the available reports do not independently establish those attribution claims.

Wider counterterrorism campaign

The latest operations form part of Pakistan’s broader counterterrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. ISPR said security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue operations against what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism, while clearance activities in areas already targeted would continue until the military considers the threat neutralised.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif separately commended the security forces following the reported operations, with both leaders reiterating the government’s stated commitment to countering terrorism. According to state media, President Zardari described the clearance of terrorist hideouts in Balochistan as a significant achievement, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remained determined to eliminate terrorism that the government attributes to foreign support.

Clearance operations continue

The latest military claims come amid continued security concerns in Balochistan, where authorities have maintained counterterrorism operations in response to militant activity. The ongoing clearance operations are expected to remain focused on locating remaining hideouts, securing affected areas and preventing the regrouping of armed groups, while security agencies continue intelligence-based actions across the province. The sacrifices and services of our security forces in the fight against terrorism are a source of pride for the entire nation, the president added.