Pakistan’s military says security forces carried out two intelligence-based operations in Washuk and Mastung under the ongoing Rad-ul-Fitna-3 campaign, killing 12 militants and destroying a militant hideout.
Security Forces Conduct Two Operations
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces killed 12 militants during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations> (ISPR).
In its statement issued on Thursday, the military described the militants as belonging to “Fitna Al Hindustan,” a term it uses for groups it says are backed by India. India has consistently rejected Pakistani allegations of supporting militant groups operating inside Pakistan.
Six Militants Killed in Washuk
According to the ISPR, the first intelligence-led operation was carried out on August 5 in Washuk district after security forces detected the movement of six suspected militants.
The military said troops engaged the group during the operation and all six militants were killed following what it described as a precise and effective action.
Another Six Killed in Mastung
A second intelligence-based operation was conducted on August 6 in Mastung district.
The ISPR said an intense exchange of fire took place between security forces and the suspected militants, resulting in the deaths of six more individuals. During the operation, troops also destroyed what the military described as a militant hideout.
Part of Rad-ul-Fitna-3 Campaign
The military said both operations were conducted under Rad-ul-Fitna-3, an ongoing series of intelligence-based counterterrorism operations.
According to the ISPR, the campaign is being carried out under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam strategy, which was approved by Pakistan’s Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. The military said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations aimed at eliminating militancy and foreign-backed terrorism.
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Recent Counterterrorism Operations
The latest operations come about a week after the military announced that security forces had killed four suspected militants during another intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar district.
In that operation, the ISPR said troops intercepted two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and destroyed both explosives-laden vehicles.
Security Situation in KP and Balochistan
Pakistan has experienced a rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, since 2021.
According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies> (CRSS), the two provinces remained the country’s most affected regions during the second quarter of 2026.
The report found that KP and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. More than 61% of the deaths (475) occurred in KP, while Balochistan recorded 265 fatalities, representing around 34% of the total.
CRSS also reported that KP recorded 151 violent incidents, accounting for 57% of all such incidents nationwide, while Balochistan recorded 94 incidents, or 35%, highlighting the continued concentration of militant activity in the two provinces.
