The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistani media outlet The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan’s security forces have concluded a series of counterterrorism operations in Balochistan following recent militant attacks, with the military saying that 216 militants were killed.
According to the report, the Inter-Services Public Relations
(ISPR), the military’s media wing, said on Thursday that the operations were
conducted under “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1.” The military described the
campaign as a coordinated, intelligence-based effort targeting what it called
Indian-sponsored militant networks.
The ISPR stated that the operations began on Jan. 29, 2026,
in Panjgur and areas on the outskirts of Harnai district after intelligence
indicated the presence of militant elements posing a threat to the public. It
said 41 militants affiliated with what it described as Indian proxy networks
were killed during that phase of the operation.
The military said security forces later responded to
additional attacks attributed to what it referred to as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a
term it uses for certain militant groups operating in Balochistan. It added
that broader intelligence-based operations were subsequently launched across
multiple areas to dismantle alleged sleeper cells.
Citing the ISPR, The Express Tribune reported that a total
of 216 militants were killed during the coordinated engagements and clearance
operations. The military also said that 22 security personnel were killed and
that 36 civilians, including women and children, lost their lives during the
course of the operations.
The ISPR stated that weapons, ammunition and explosives of
what it described as foreign origin were recovered, and that preliminary
findings suggested external facilitation and logistical support for the
militant groups.
According to the report, President Asif Ali Zardari
commended the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the operation’s
completion. In a statement released by the Presidency, he said the action had
prevented attempts to undermine peace in Balochistan and reiterated the
government’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts under the National Action
Plan.
