QUETTA: Security forces killed at least 18 Indian-sponsored terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in Quetta and Sherani districts on Wednesday, officials said.
According to security sources, a joint operation was launched in the Ghaza Band area on the outskirts of Quetta. During a fierce exchange of fire, 10 militants were gunned down, while two security personnel sustained injuries. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was seized from the site.
Police said the slain militants were involved in attacks on security forces and other subversive activities in the region.
In a separate operation in Sherani district, eight terrorists belonging to the Fitna al-Khawarij group were killed following intense clashes. Security officials confirmed the recovery of arms and ammunition.
The fresh operations come amid a surge in militant violence across Balochistan. Just a day earlier, six militants, including a suicide bomber, were killed during an attack on the Frontier Constabulary headquarters on Quetta’s Hali Road. The assault left 10 people martyred, including two FC personnel, and over 30 injured.
On September 24, security forces killed 13 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan, according to the ISPR. The militants, identified as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, were involved in targeted killings, suicide bombings and abductions.
Read More: Suicide blast near Quetta FC headquarters claims 10 lives
The military reiterated its resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country, announcing that groups such as the TTP and its affiliates would now be formally referred to as Khawarij.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Balochistan witnessed 28 militant attacks in August 2025, resulting in 52 deaths — including 23 security personnel and 21 civilians — and injuring 45 others. Security forces eliminated 50 militants during the same month, the highest monthly toll since June 2015.
