43 militants killed as Pakistan Army intensifies counterterrorism efforts

Pakistan's security forces have killed 43 militants in extensive intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan since December 9, according to a statement released by the military on Friday.

KP and Balochistan remain at the forefront of counterterrorism efforts, as they are the regions most affected by militant violence.

Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, hosts key China-led projects, including the Gwadar Port and the Reko Diq gold and copper mine. However, the province has long been a hotspot for a separatist insurgency.

Ethnic Baloch militants claim they are fighting against what they view as the unfair exploitation of Balochistan’s vast mineral and gas resources by the federal government. The Pakistani state denies these allegations, asserting its commitment to uplifting the impoverished province through various development initiatives.

According to a statement from the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations reflect a firm resolve to restore peace and eliminate terrorism.

On the night of December 12-13, security forces conducted an operation in the Lakki Marwat district of KP, killing six militants. Since December 9, a total of 18 terrorists have been neutralized in the province.

In Balochistan, two separate IBOs were carried out on December 13 in the Musa Khel and Panjgur districts. Intense exchanges of fire resulted in the deaths of 10 militants, bringing the total number of militants killed in Balochistan to 25 since the operations began.

“These operations will continue until peace is fully restored,” the ISPR stated, reaffirming the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.