ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have concluded a major counter-terrorism military campaign in southwestern Balochistan province, killing 216 militants during days-long operations launched after coordinated attacks across the province last month, the military said on Thursday.
In a statement, Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1” targeted what it described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements seeking to destabilise the province by attacking civilians and security personnel.
The operation followed a spate of assaults on January 31 that disrupted normal life across several districts of the restive province.
“As a result of these well-coordinated engagements and subsequent clearance operations, 216 terrorists have been sent to hell, significantly degrading the leadership, command-and-control structures and operational capabilities of terrorist networks,” the military’s media wing said.
ISPR said the operations were intelligence-driven and carried out jointly by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services, adding that a large cache of foreign-origin weapons, explosives, and equipment had been recovered.
The military said 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed during the violence, while 22 security personnel “embraced martyrdom” while defending the country.
“During these operations, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, embraced shahadat, while 22 brave Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies’ personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and the protection of its citizens,” it said.
Operations began on January 29 in Panjgur and the outskirts of Harnai district after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militant hideouts, the statement said, adding that 41 militants linked to Indian proxy networks were killed in the initial phase.
ISPR said follow-up intelligence-based operations were later launched across multiple areas to dismantle sleeper cells through sustained search and sanitisation actions.
“Preliminary analysis indicates systematic external facilitation and logistical support to these extremist proxies,” the statement said, without providing further details.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to continue counter-terrorism operations under the government’s National Action Plan until what it called the complete elimination of militant threats.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said the operation sent a “clear message” to those behind the violence, accusing the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) of targeting civilians and labourers at India’s behest.
“Pakistan will not compromise on its unity, development, and the protection of its people,” Bugti said in a post on X, warning that any attempt to destabilise the country would be met with a decisive response.
Security forces have continued mop-up operations in parts of Balochistan following the attacks, while mobile internet services and some train routes remained suspended in affected areas earlier this week.
