RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed at least 11 India-sponsored terrorists belonging to the proxy group Fitna al-Hindustan during separate intelligence-based operations in Kharan and Washuk districts of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.

According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted on September 6 and 7 following reports about the presence of terrorists in the two districts.

In Kharan, terrorists attempted to establish a roadblock and disrupt the movement of local traffic on September 6.

Security forces promptly intercepted and engaged the militants, killing eight terrorists in the ensuing operation, the ISPR said.

In a separate intelligence-based operation conducted in Washuk district on September 7, security forces targeted a terrorist hideout.

“Own troops effectively busted the hideout and, following an intense exchange of fire, killed three more terrorists,” the military said.

The security forces also recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives that were being used for the preparation of improvised explosive devices.

Sanitisation operations were continuing in the area to eliminate any other India-sponsored terrorists who may be present, the ISPR said.

The military said the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the government’s Azm-e-Istehkam initiative would continue at full pace.

Azm-e-Istehkam was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan and is aimed at eliminating what Pakistan describes as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Surge in militant violence

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021.

According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, the two provinces remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026.

The report stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter.

More than 61% of the total deaths, or 475 fatalities, were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Balochistan accounted for 265 deaths, representing around 34%.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases accounting for 57% of the nationwide total.

Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, or around 35%, highlighting the continued concentration of militant activity in the country’s two western provinces.

The latest operations come as security forces continue intelligence-based operations across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign to eliminate terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the affected areas.