ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Security forces have killed 49 Indian-backed terrorists during high-tempo joint intelligence-driven operations along with Police in southwestern Balochistan province, a military statement said on Friday.
“In a determined effort to eliminate terrorist threats and dismantle the khwarij and terrorist networks, over the last few days, Security Forces conducted a series of high tempo joint intelligence driven operations along with Police, as part of relentless counter terrorism campaign aimed at eliminating Indian Proxies, Fitna Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan,” military’s media affairs wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan is used for terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan.
According to the ISPR, these operations have yielded major successes, inflicting significant blows to the terrorist networks, killing forty nine terrorists and effectively thwarting any attempt to undermine peace and stability.
🚨🚨🚨#ISPR
49 Terrorists Eliminated ❗️In a determined effort to eliminate terrorist threats and dismantle the khwarij and terrorist networks, over the last few days, Pakistan’s Security Forces conducted a series of high tempo joint intelligence driven operations along with… pic.twitter.com/wHmiwvZvMx
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) August 21, 2026
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, twelve terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij were neutralised during multiple high-tempo, intelligence-based operations conducted in Bannu, North Waziristan, Orakzai and Khyber districts.
During the operations, a significant quantity of explosives, IED detonators and remote controls, weapons, ammunition and motorcycles was recovered and destroyed.
In Balochistan, 37 terrorists affiliated with the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in ten intelligence-based operations carried out in Mastung, Mach, Khuzdar and Panjgur districts. A substantial cache of weapons, explosive drums and remote-detonation equipment was also recovered and destroyed, ISPR said.
Pakistan security forces resolute to safeguard country’s territorial integrity
The Security Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and security.
Sanitisation operations are underway to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the area.
The ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full force.
Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies remain determined to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
Foreign-backed proxies
Earlier, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had warned that foreign-sponsored proxies are being employed by hostile elements to destabilise Balochistan.
He made the remarks while interacting with Balochistan’s political leadership.
Army Chief reiterated that such inimical designs will be defeated through the collective resolve of the nation and an unwavering, resolute and decisive response by the state.
Also Read: Foreign-Backed Proxies Being Used to Destabilise Balochistan, Says Field Marshal Munir
He emphasised the need to holistically and without hesitation counter hostile propaganda, expose false narratives and project the true potential, progress and aspirations of Balochistan and its people. He underscored that the destiny of Balochistan rests only in the hands of the people of Balochistan.
Surge in terror activities
Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban came into power.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban regime to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned TTP terrorist network. However, the Taliban regime failed to take any action against the terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil.
Due to the surge in terrorist attacks, Pakistan has intensified counterterrorism operations to eliminate the menace.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment, released on July 31, Balochistan witnessed the sharpest deterioration in the country’s security situation last month.
On July 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular decision” to eliminate terrorism following several major militant attacks in Balochistan.
