Pakistan’s security forces have killed 197 militants linked to India-backed Fitna al-Hindustan during large-scale counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, following a series of coordinated attacks that targeted multiple towns across the province over three days, security sources said.
The attacks, carried out on February 31, brought normal life in Pakistan’s largest province to a standstill. Militants affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) struck nearly a dozen locations in one of their biggest operations in recent years, resulting in the martyrdom of 17 security personnel and 31 civilians.
Terrorists targeted civilians and security forces in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni, spreading fear and disrupting daily life.
According to security officials, 22 soldiers were martyred while defending the country and protecting civilians during the past three days. In addition, 36 civilians, including women and children, lost their lives in the attacks.
The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said that forces had earlier killed 41 militants in two separate operations before launching full-scale clearance actions across the province.
In a statement, the ISPR said terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan deliberately targeted 18 innocent civilians, including women, children, elderly people, and labourers, in Gwadar and Kharan, with the aim of disrupting development and stability in Balochistan.
Following the attacks, security forces and law enforcement agencies launched intensive operations, killing 92 militants, including three suicide bombers. The ISPR said the forces displayed “exceptional bravery and professionalism” in countering the threat.
“Our troops neutralised the terrorists with precision and determination,” the statement said.
However, 15 security personnel were martyred during fierce clashes and standoffs with militants, the military added.
Authorities later began sanitisation and search operations in affected areas to arrest those involved in planning, facilitating, and carrying out the attacks.
The ISPR said intelligence reports confirmed that the assaults were planned and directed by terrorist leaders operating from outside Pakistan, who remained in contact with attackers during the incidents.
In recent years, the BLA has increased attacks on workers from other provinces and foreign energy companies operating in the region. Last year, militants also hijacked a passenger train carrying 450 people, leading to a deadly two-day siege.
Officials said security operations will continue until all remaining threats are eliminated and peace is fully restored in the province.