Security Forces Eliminate 14 Terrorists in Balochistan Operation

RAWALPINDI: During an operation conducted in the Zehri area of Balochistan’s Khuzdar, security forces neutralized 14 militants associated with a group identified as Fitna al-Hindustan, sources confirmed on Saturday. This group is allegedly supported by elements in India.

According to sources, the operation was initiated based on intelligence regarding the presence of these militants. The confrontation resulted in the elimination of 14 individuals, while approximately 20 other militants sustained injuries.

Local residents in Khuzdar’s Zehri region have expressed their appreciation for the security forces’ efforts, acknowledging their role in bolstering peace and stability within the area, the sources stated.

Authorities have affirmed their unwavering commitment to eradicating the remaining members of Fitna al-Hindustan.

This operation in Zehri follows closely on the heels of a separate intelligence-led operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Sherani district, where security forces neutralized seven militants allegedly backed by India.

The military’s media wing, ISPR, reported that the previous IBO targeted militants linked to Fitna al Khwarij, also known as the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“During the operation, our troops engaged the terrorists effectively, resulting in seven being sent to hell,” the ISPR stated.

Recent data from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) indicates a significant 46% increase in overall violence in Pakistan during the third quarter of 2025.

The country witnessed at least 901 deaths and 599 injuries, encompassing civilians, security personnel, and militants, across 329 violent incidents, including terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations.

The CRSS report emphasizes that the current year is nearly as deadly as the entirety of 2024, with 2,414 fatalities recorded thus far, compared to 2,546 deaths in 2024.

Of the 901 fatalities in Q3, 516 (57%) were militants, while 385 were civilian and military personnel.

A further breakdown shows that civilian deaths accounted for 219 (24%), while 166 (18%) security personnel were martyred.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, sharing a border with Afghanistan, experienced the most significant impact from terrorism, accounting for over 96% of the total violence nationwide.

KP was the most severely affected, accounting for nearly 71% (638) of all violence-related fatalities and over 67% (221) of the violent incidents, followed by Balochistan, with over 25% of fatalities (230) and incidents (85).

Compared to Q2 (616 fatalities), KP and Balochistan reported the largest increases in casualties, with rises of 64% (from 390 to 638 fatalities) and 21% (from 190 to 230), respectively.