ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed five militants, including a key commander, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Panjgur district of Balochistan, according to security sources.
The operation was conducted in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3, targeting militants that security sources identified as members of Fitna al-Hindustan.
According to the sources, the operation resulted in the killing of five militants, including a key commander identified as Wazir, son of Jamal.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered
Security forces also recovered a significant quantity of weapons and other material during the operation.
According to security sources, the recovered items included four motorcycles, machine guns, heavy weapons and a cache of ammunition.
The militants were allegedly involved in a range of criminal and militant activities in the area, including robbery, extortion, kidnapping and attacks targeting traders and civilians.
Following the operation, security forces launched a clearance operation in the surrounding area to locate and eliminate any remaining militants.
Authorities said the clearance operation was continuing to ensure that no other militant elements remained in the vicinity.
Interior Minister Praises Security Forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for conducting what he described as a successful intelligence-based operation in Panjgur.
In a statement, Naqvi commended the professionalism of the forces following the killing of the five militants and said the operation demonstrated the security forces’ continued resolve in the fight against terrorism.
He said Pakistan’s security personnel were continuing their efforts to eliminate militant elements from Balochistan and help restore lasting peace in the province.
Naqvi added that the nation remained united against terrorism and stood firmly with the security forces.
The interior minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing support to security institutions in their efforts to combat militancy across the country.
15 Militants Killed in Earlier Operations
The Panjgur operation came a day after security forces reported killing 15 militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during a series of intelligence-based operations in several districts of Balochistan.
According to security sources, those operations were also conducted under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3 and covered areas including Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki.
The operations were part of broader security efforts aimed at disrupting militant networks and preventing attacks in the province.
15 India-Backed Militants Killed in Balochistan IBOs: Security Sources
Balochistan Among Main Violence Hotspots
Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant violence in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recording the highest number of fatalities.
The report said that KP and Balochistan together accounted for approximately 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded nationwide during the quarter.
Of the reported deaths, more than 61% — 475 fatalities — occurred in KP, while 265 deaths, or around 34%, were recorded in Balochistan.
The two provinces also accounted for the overwhelming majority of reported violent incidents.
KP and Balochistan Account for Majority of Incidents
KP recorded 151 violent incidents, representing approximately 57% of the nationwide total, according to the CRSS report.
Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, accounting for around 35%.
The figures underline the security challenges faced by both provinces, where militant attacks, counterterrorism operations and security incidents have remained a major concern.
Against this backdrop, security forces have continued intelligence-based operations aimed at identifying militant hideouts, disrupting planned attacks and targeting individuals suspected of involvement in armed groups.
The latest operation in Panjgur is expected to be followed by further clearance activity as authorities continue efforts to determine whether other militants remain in the area.
