ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed more than 65 militants during the ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan, bringing the total number of militants killed since the operation began on 5 July to 105, according to security sources.
The joint operation, involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police, was launched following the attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat.
What is Operation Shaban?
Operation Shaban is a joint counterterrorism operation launched by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police following the militant attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat.
According to security sources, three additional militants were killed during the latest phase of the operation on Sunday, raising the total number killed in the ongoing operation to 67. Overall, 105 militants have been killed since 5 July, the sources said.
Security forces continue search and clearance operations in affected areas of Balochistan.
Why was the operation launched?
The operation was initiated after militants attacked the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, police personnel resisted the assault before reinforcements arrived. He said 15 militants were killed during the initial engagement, while nine police officers were killed. Some police personnel were also taken hostage before security forces secured the area.
Officials said the operation aims to dismantle militant networks involved in the recent attacks.
What is the latest security situation?
According to officials, 42 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed in three recent militant attacks in Balochistan.
Security sources said operations remain underway and will continue until the remaining militants involved in the attacks are located.
No official timeline has been provided for the conclusion of the operation.
What is the broader security context?
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021.
Pakistani authorities have repeatedly said that many militant groups operate from sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban administration has denied permitting Afghan territory to be used for attacks against neighbouring countries.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained strained despite several rounds of diplomatic engagement. Pakistan has continued to call on Afghan authorities to act against militant groups it says are responsible for attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul has rejected those allegations.