Pakistan says 11 militants killed in Balochistan operations

Pakistan's security forces killed 11 militants in two intelligence-based operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan, the military said on Wednesday.

The operations come as authorities step up efforts to counter a persistent insurgency in the region.

What happened in the Balochistan operations this week?

Security forces killed eight militants on September 6 in Kharan district after intercepting a group that had attempted to set up a roadblock to disrupt traffic. The following day, troops killed three more militants in neighboring Washuk district after raiding a suspected hideout based on intelligence about militant presence there.

Security forces also recovered 2.9 tons of explosives from the Washuk site, which the military said were intended for making improvised explosive devices. Officials described the material as a significant seizure that could have supplied multiple future attacks.

Who does Pakistan blame for the Balochistan attacks?

The military described the militants as members of an Indian-sponsored group known as Fitna al Hindustan, which Pakistan describes as an Indian proxy.

Security forces were conducting a sanitization operation in the area on Wednesday to search for any remaining militants. The operation formed part of a broader push to clear the districts of further threats following the two raids.

What is Pakistan's Azm-e-Istehkam strategy?

The operations come as Pakistan continues a counterterrorism campaign under its "Azm-e-Istehkam" strategy, approved by the country's National Action Plan committee. The strategy is aimed at curbing militant violence and what authorities describe as foreign-backed militancy across the country.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and resource-richest province, has faced a long-running insurgency involving militant groups. Violence has increased in recent years, with militants targeting security forces, infrastructure and civilians across the province.