QUETTA/GWADAR: Security forces killed three alleged terrorists including a local commander of a banned outfit in an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur district of Balochistan, the military media wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “On January 25 (Sunday), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Pan­jgur district of Balo­chistan, on [the] reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan.”

Fitna al Hindustan is the state-designated term for Balochistan-based terror groups, allegedly supported by India to target military personnel in Pakistan.

The statement said that during the conduct of the operation, the security forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an “intense fire exchange, three Indian sponsored terrorists were eliminated”.

Among the killed was a local terrorist commander, Farooq alias Soro, the ISPR said.

“Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.”

It stated that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area.

Balochistan Chief Minis-ter Mir Sarfaraz Bugti expressed satisfaction over the successful IBO, lauding professionalism, and bravery of the personnel. He said that there was no place for anti-state elements seeking to spread unrest.

Under ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision approved by the federal apex committee, terrorism sponsored by foreign elements would be completely eradicated, he said.

Saleem Shahid in Quetta and Behram Baloch in Gwadar contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2026