ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, recovering heavy weapons, machine guns and ammunition, according to security sources.
The operation was conducted in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3 and targeted an armed militant network operating in the region. Security sources said one of those killed was identified as commander Wazir, son of Jamal.
Four motorcycles, machine guns, heavy weapons and a cache of ammunition were recovered during the operation, the sources added.
Weapons Seized as Clearance Operation Continues
According to security sources, the militants were allegedly involved in armed attacks, extortion, kidnapping and other violent activities targeting traders and civilians in the area.
A clearance operation remains underway to search for any remaining militants in the vicinity and secure the area.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces for the operation, saying they had demonstrated professionalism and resolve in counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting security forces in operations aimed at improving security and restoring peace.
Counterterrorism Operations Continue in Balochistan
The Panjgur operation follows a series of intelligence-based operations conducted a day earlier across multiple districts of Balochistan, including Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki, in which authorities said 15 militants were killed.
Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant violence in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the second quarter of 2026. The report said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 475 fatalities, or more than 61% of the national total, while Balochistan accounted for 265 deaths, representing 34%.
CRSS also reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 151 violent incidents during the quarter, while Balochistan recorded 94 incidents, making the two provinces the country’s principal hotspots for militant violence.