ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed seven militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kharan district of Balochistan, security sources said on Sunday.
According to the sources, the operation was carried out in the Lajay area after intelligence indicated the presence of militants in the region. Security personnel launched the operation based on the information and engaged the suspected militants.
The sources said seven militants described by authorities as members of Fitna al-Khawarij were killed, while several others were wounded during the operation.
Weapons, ammunition and other military equipment were also recovered from the militants’ hideouts, according to the security sources.
Vehicles and Weapons Recovered
Security sources said security forces recovered one motorcycle and two vehicles from the militants’ hideouts and destroyed them during the operation.
The recovered material is expected to be examined as part of efforts to determine the militants’ activities, networks and possible plans.
According to the sources, the militants were allegedly involved in planning and carrying out activities including extortion, kidnapping, targeted killings and suicide attacks.
Authorities have not publicly released the identities of those killed or provided further details about the number of militants who escaped or were detained.
Operations Continue Under Rad-ul-Fitna-3
Security sources said counterterrorism operations were continuing under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3 as authorities seek to disrupt militant networks operating in Balochistan and other parts of the country.
The Kharan operation came a day after security forces reported killing 10 militants during an exchange of fire in Khuzdar district.
According to security sources, that operation was conducted in the Shor Parod mountainous range following intelligence reports about the presence of militants allegedly affiliated with what Pakistani authorities describe as an Indian proxy group, Fitna al-Hindustan.
Several militants were also reported to have been wounded during that operation.
Balochistan Among Main Terrorism Hotspots
The latest operations come amid continued concerns over militant violence in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.
Security incidents have increased in the two provinces since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about militant groups operating from or having links to networks based across the Afghan border.
According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP and Balochistan remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026.
12 Militants Killed in Two Intelligence-Based Operations in Balochistan, ISPR Says
The report said the two provinces together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded across Pakistan during the quarter.
KP recorded more than 61% of the deaths, with 475 fatalities, while Balochistan accounted for 34%, or 265 deaths.
The two provinces also recorded the overwhelming majority of violent incidents. KP reported 151 incidents, representing 57% of the national total, while Balochistan recorded 94 incidents, or 35%.
Security Situation Remains a Major Challenge
The figures highlight the continuing security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in areas where militant groups have remained active.
For security forces, intelligence-based operations are aimed at identifying militant hideouts, disrupting planned attacks and preventing armed groups from establishing operational networks.
However, the broader security situation remains complex, with authorities continuing operations in multiple districts of KP and Balochistan.
The latest Kharan operation is therefore part of a wider counterterrorism effort, while officials continue to assess the recovered weapons, vehicles and other equipment for possible links to militant networks and planned attacks. Details of further casualties or arrests are expected to emerge as the investigation and security operations continue.
