Pakistan says 216 militants killed as military concludes Balochistan operation

Pakistan’s security forces have concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan, dismantling major militant networks involved in attacks on civilians and security personnel, the military’s media wing said Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation involved a series of coordinated, intelligence-based actions against what it described as Indian-backed militant elements seeking to disrupt security and development in the province. India has repeatedly denied similar allegations.

ISPR said the operation was launched on January 29 in Panjgur and in areas on the outskirts of Harnai district after intelligence indicated the presence of militant hideouts posing an imminent threat to the local population.

During the initial phase, security forces killed 41 militants allegedly linked to proxy networks.

The military said subsequent attacks by a group identified as Fitna al Hindustan were repelled by security forces. In response, authorities expanded intelligence-based operations across multiple areas, including sustained search and clearance efforts aimed at dismantling sleeper cells.

ISPR said detailed planning, actionable intelligence, and coordination among the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services led to the killing of 216 militants.

The military said the operation significantly weakened the group’s leadership, command structure, and operational capability.

Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and equipment described as being of foreign origin. ISPR said preliminary assessments indicated external logistical and financial support for the militant groups.

According to the military, 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed during the operations. Twenty-two members of the security forces and law enforcement agencies were also killed.

ISPR paid tribute to the personnel killed, describing their actions as sacrifices made in defense of the country, and said the nation stood with the families of all those who lost their lives.