Security forces kill 10 terrorists, arrest two women suicide bombers in Balochistan: ISPR

Security forces killed 10 terrorists and detained two female suicide bombers and a facilitator during multiple intelligence-based operations in Balochistan over the past 48 hours, the army’s media wing said on Wednesday.

The intelligence-led operations are part of the recently launched Operation Shaban, a joint operation of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police launched after the terror attack on Mangi Dam Police Station and which is still ongoing, with forces intensifying action against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij throughout the province.

Fitna al-Khawarij is the term that the State uses to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations were carried out “in continuation of security forces’ operations against terror nexus of Indian-sponsored groups.” Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij“.

The statement said that comprehensive joint operations are being carried out in different parts of Balochistan to eliminate the remnants of terrorists and their facilitators.

According to the ISPR, security forces carried out “multiple intelligence-based area disinfection operations and targeted operations in Surab district and Mastung district of Balochistan” during the last 48 hours, “during which ten terrorists were killed.”

The military said security forces “effectively engaged terrorist sites” in Surab district, “killing seven terrorists.”

Read: Four more terrorists killed in Shabaan operation: security sources

In a separate operation in Mastung district, “three terrorists were killed and two suicide bombers along with a facilitator belonging to Indian-sponsored groups were also arrested.” Fitna al Hindustan“says the statement.

The ISPR further said that weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices used by the terrorists were also recovered from the terrorists. He added that disinfection operations were continuing in the area “to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area.”

Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against terrorism, the army said, “The relentless campaign against terrorism under the ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.”

In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to security forces for killing the 10 terrorists and said operations against militant networks were essential to maintain national peace.

The president said that the security forces’ “effective operations against Indian-sponsored groups” Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij “Terrorist networks in Balochistan are indispensable for national peace.”

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism and said that “the fight against terrorism fueled by foreign interference will continue.”

He also expressed solidarity with the country’s security personnel, saying that “the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the security forces for carrying out a successful operation, reaffirming the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism.

He said that “terrorists are enemies of Balochistan and the development and prosperity of its people.” Prime Minister Shehbaz added that “no one will be allowed to destroy the peace of Balochistan.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, the prime minister said “the fight will continue until the scourge of terrorism is eliminated from the country.”

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces and described the actions as a significant step towards ensuring peace and stability in the province.

Naqvi paid tribute to the officers and staff who participated in the intelligence-led operations, saying they had once again demonstrated exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s security.

He stressed that intelligence-based operations against terrorist elements remain indispensable for maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law, particularly in areas affected by militant violence. The minister said the continuous efforts of security forces in Balochistan deserve recognition and support of the nation.

The Home Minister further stated that the nation is immensely proud of the brave sons of the soil who have successfully neutralized what he described as Indian-sponsored terrorists, reaffirming the government’s resolve to continue supporting the security forces in their mission to eradicate militancy and restore lasting peace across Pakistan.

UN Security Council confirms increase in TTP attacks from Afghanistan

Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, in recent days. The rise in terrorist activity has raised growing concerns about the security situation in these regions. In response, security forces have been carrying out intensive operations to counter the threat, targeting terrorist groups.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in a report published in February, also drew attention to a series of attacks by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Pakistani security forces and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Read more: Three more terrorists killed in ongoing Operation Shaban: security sources

“On September 16, 2025, the BLA ambushed a Pakistani military convoy patrolling the corridor, killing 32 soldiers. Although Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations restricted the BLA’s operational space, it remained active.”

The report added that some member states reported that the BLA collaborated with the TTP and ISIL-K through training camps and shared resources, coordinating attacks and meetings between commanders. Some Member States assessed that there was no association or growing links between the BLA and Al Qaeda or ISIL.

He further highlighted that several groups in Afghanistan had acquired modern weapons and equipment through cross-border smuggling and black market trade. “TTP used advanced assault rifles, night vision devices, thermal imaging devices, sniper systems and drone strike systems. Most of these were provided by de facto authorities along with weapons permits and travel documents,” he said.

In August 2025, the annual report of the follow-up team of the UN’s 1988 Taliban sanctions committee said that the illegal terrorist groups: BLA, including its Majeed Brigade, and TTP had “close coordination”.

The UN Security Council report states that “some BLA attacks showed a high degree of complexity and brutality”, citing the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan on March 11, 2025, in which 31 people were killed, including 21 hostages.