Security sources say forces destroyed several militant hideouts, recovered arms and explosive material
Security forces have killed 16 terrorists in ongoing intelligence-based operations during Operation Al-Azm in Balochistan, where several militant hideouts have also been destroyed and weapons and explosives found, security sources said on Sunday.
The intelligence-based operations have been launched in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the area. Previously launched security forces Operation Shaban after terrorists attacked Mangi Dam police station.
A District and Sessions Judge and his security guard were also killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle on the National Highway in Mastung, while an additional Sessions Judge and another person sustained serious injuries.
The sources said counter-terrorism operations were continuing in several parts of the province, including Killi Kundi Umrani, Khad Kocha and Mastung, where the group referred to by the state as Fitna al-Hindustan had suffered heavy losses.
Fitna al-Hindustan is the term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant groups operating in the province.
According to the sources, security forces destroyed several militant hideouts and ambushes during the operation and recovered weapons and explosive material from the sites.
The sources added that the operations would continue until terrorism is eliminated from Balochistan and peace and order is fully restored.
Read: Naqvi chairs high-level security meeting in Quetta, pledges support for Balochistan
On Friday, the Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir expressed a resolve to dismantle the terror infrastructure in Balochistan, saying that consistent efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by the steadfast support of the people, would bring lasting peace to the province.
Munir said, “Targeted operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan will continue with full determination until the menace of terrorism and its supporters is eliminated from Pakistan.”
UNSC confirms increase in TTP attacks from Afghanistan
Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, in recent days. The increase in terrorist activity has led to growing concern over the security situation in these regions. In response, security forces have carried out intensive operations to counter the threat, targeting terrorist groups.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in a report released in February, also drew attention to a series of attacks by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) against Pakistani security forces and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“On 16 September 2025, the BLA ambushed a Pakistani military convoy patrolling the corridor, killing 32 soldiers. While counter-terrorism operations by Pakistan limited the BLA’s operational space, it remained active”.
The report added that some member states reported that the BLA cooperated with the TTP and ISIL-K through shared training camps and resources, coordination of attacks and meetings between commanders. Some member states assessed that there was neither an association nor growing ties between the BLA and Al Qaeda or ISIL.
Read more: The number of terrorists killed in Balochistan’s Operation Al-Azm reaches 13
It further highlighted that various groups in Afghanistan had acquired modern weapons and equipment through cross-border smuggling and black market trade. “The TTP used advanced assault rifles, night vision equipment, thermal imaging equipment, sniper systems and drone strike systems. Most of these were provided by the de facto authorities in connection with weapons permits and travel documents,” it said.
In August 2025, the UN’s 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee Monitoring Team Annual Report said that outlawed terrorist groups – the BLA, including its Majeed Brigade, and the TTP had “close coordination”.
The UNSC report said that “some BLA attacks showed a high degree of complexity and brutality”, referring to the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan on 11 March 2025, which killed 31 people, including 21 hostages.
