Balochistan, Pakistan: Security forces neutralised seven India-sponsored militants during a sanitisation operation in Barkhan district of Balochistan, while five security personnel, including an Army Major, were martyred, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
ISPR said Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps Balochistan personnel launched a sanitisation operation in the Nosham area of Barkhan district in the morning hours as part of efforts to eliminate militants linked to what it described as India-backed “Fitna al-Hindustan.” During the operation, a group of militants was located and engaged, resulting in an exchange of fire in which seven militants were killed. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the site, the military said.
However, during the intense firefight, five security personnel were martyred, including Major Tauseef Ahmed Bhatti (31, Pakpattan district), Naik Fida Hussain (36, Sukkur), Sepoy Zakir Hussain (32, Skardu), Sepoy Suhail Ahmed (21, Khanewal), and Sepoy Muhammad Ayaz (24, Rahim Yar Khan).
ISPR added that follow-up sanitisation operations are continuing in the area to clear any remaining militants. The military reiterated that counter-terrorism operations under the national strategy “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks in recent years, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which security officials link to cross-border militancy dynamics. Islamabad has repeatedly accused elements operating from Afghan territory of facilitating attacks inside Pakistan, a position consistently rejected by Kabul.
Following the Barkhan operation, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued statements praising the security forces. They said the operation had foiled militant designs targeting national peace and stability and paid tribute to the martyred personnel.
President Zardari said the sacrifices of the martyrs would be remembered, adding that the country remains committed to defeating anti-state elements. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the fallen soldiers had demonstrated “exceptional courage and sacrifice” in defending the country, while Interior Minister Naqvi said the security forces eliminated seven militants during the operation and described the martyrs as having laid down their lives for national security.
Security operations in the region are continuing as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at clearing remaining militant presence in Balochistan.