RAWALPINDI: Security forces have eliminated 17 India-backed terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across parts of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar and Kech districts following the train incident on May 24.

ISPR said security forces effectively engaged multiple terrorist hideouts during the operations. After intense exchanges of fire, 17 terrorists belonging to what it described as “India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan” were killed, dealing a significant blow to militant networks operating in the region.

The statement added that weapons, ammunition, a large quantity of explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the killed militants. The terrorists were reportedly involved in multiple attacks and subversive activities in the area.

The latest operations come more than a week after a deadly explosion near a railway track on May 24 in Balochistan.

According to the provincial government spokesperson, at least 14 people, including three Frontier Corps personnel, were martyred and several others injured when an explosion occurred near Chaman Phatak in Quetta. Women and children were also among the injured.

Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021.

Officials say the security situation has been further complicated by cross-border militant activity, with repeated incidents targeting security forces and civilians.

Despite ongoing counter-terror operations, authorities maintain that intelligence-based actions will continue to target militant networks operating in remote and sensitive areas of the country.