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RAWALPINDI:
Security forces successfully concluded ‘Operation Raddul-Fitna-1’ in Balochistan, killing 216 terrorists in a series of coordinated intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the military’s media wing said the operations were aimed at terrorist groups seeking to disrupt peace and development by attacking innocent civilians, including women and children. The campaign involved swift actions by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.
State media reported on Tuesday that Pakistani security forces had killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned group Fitna al Hindustan during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the province.
The federal government has designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these groups.
“On January 29, 2026, operations were launched in Panjgur and outskirts of Harnai district after credible and verified intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorist elements posing an imminent threat to the local public,” the ISPR statement said.
“During this phase, security forces carried out operations against identified terrorist hideouts, resulting in the elimination of 41 terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy networks.”
The military said security forces later repelled what it described as desperate Fitna attacks on Hindustan.
“Subsequently, the aggressive and firm responses of the brave security forces effectively thwarted Fitna’s desperate attacks on Hindustan to destabilize the peace of Balochistan,” the statement said.
He added that a broader series of IBOs were then launched in multiple areas to dismantle sleeper terrorist cells through sustained cleaning and disinfection efforts.
“Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence and seamless joint execution, Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, supported by intelligence agencies under Operation Raddul-Fitna-1, responded with precision and determination, the army’s media wing said.
“As a result of these well-coordinated clashes and subsequent clearance operations, 216 terrorists have been sent to hell, significantly degrading the leadership, command and control structures and operational capabilities of the terrorist networks,” he added.
The army said that during the process a large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives and equipment of foreign origin was recovered. Preliminary analysis, he said, pointed to systematic external facilitation and logistical support for extremist proxies.
“During these operations, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, embraced shahadat, while 22 brave members of security forces and law enforcement agencies made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the territorial integrity of Pakistan and protection of its citizens,” the ISPR said.
“Their bravery, professionalism and unwavering commitment reflect the highest traditions of service,” he added.
“The nation honors their sacrifice and stands in solidarity with the families of all the martyrs.”
The Pakistan Armed Forces reiterated its resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations under the government’s National Action Plan (NAP), saying that counter-terrorism operations will continue with “full determination until complete elimination of terrorist threats”.
“Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Pakistan and particularly the proud people of Balochistan to always prefer peace over violence, unity over division and development over violence,” the ISPR statement said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tributes to the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the successful completion of Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan.
The president said the security forces’ “timely action” had foiled “a malicious attempt to sabotage peace in Balochistan by Fitna-e-Hindustan”.
“The complete elimination of terrorism backed by external support remains our top priority,” President Zardari was quoted as saying in a statement from the Presidency.
The president added that he was encouraged by the success of the coordinated IBOs, which he said had “broken the leadership and operational capacity of terrorist networks operating with external backing.”
“The nation salutes the sacrifices of its martyrs and remains united in the fight against terrorism.”
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister praised the officers and personnel of the security forces and the leaders of the armed forces for the success of the ongoing operation against terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace in Balochistan.
He praised the professional ability of the security forces in dismantling the command structure of the terrorists and eliminating a total of 216 terrorists during the operation.
He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 36 civilians, including women and children, in terrorist attacks, and paid tribute to 22 security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
He said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs and promised that the nefarious designs of terrorists against innocent citizens would continue to be thwarted.
The Prime Minister asserted that by attacking innocent people, terrorists had proven themselves to be enemies of peace, development and prosperity of Balochistan. He reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism will continue until its complete eradication from the country.
“The entire nation, including me, stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the unwavering determination to defend the homeland,” he said.
