QUETTA: Security forces killed 12 terrorists in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Mastung and Washuk districts of Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the “high-tempo” operations were carried out as part of the Radul Fitna counterterrorism campaign against Fitna al-Hindustan in Balochistan.
Balochistan-based terrorist groups have been designated as Fitna al-Hindustan by the state to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.
The ISPR said security forces detected the movement of six terrorists in Washuk district on Aug 5 and effectively engaged them.
‘High-tempo’ operations carried out under Radul Fitna campaign, says ISPR
“As a result of precise and skilful engagement, all six terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan were sent to hell,” the ISPR said.
The military’s media wing said six more terrorists were killed during an operation in Mastung district on Thursday after an intense exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists. A terrorist hideout was also destroyed during the operation, the ISPR said.
“Under vision Azm-i-Istehkam (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan), security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the statement said.
Last week, eight terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan were killed after an “intense engagement” in Balochistan’s Nushki district during multiple intelligence-based operations, the ISPR said.
“Weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices used by terrorists were also recovered and destroyed during the operations,” it added.
In July, security forces and law enforcement personnel jointly launched Operation Shaban in Balochistan in retaliation for a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat on July 6. During that assault, armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers.
Security forces later launched Operation Al-Azm in the province after a shooting on a Karachi-bound coach coming from Quetta claimed three lives and injured five others last week.
A monthly security assessment released in early June by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies said that after two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan’s security situation deteriorated sharply in May, driven mainly by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The report said Balochistan emerged as the most affected province during the month. The province recorded 71 terrorist attacks in May compared to 34 in April, representing a 109 per cent increase.
The deteriorating security situation was further reflected in a surge in kidnappings, it said.
Of the 54 abductions reported nationwide during May, 52 occurred in Balochistan alone, highlighting the growing operational reach and confidence of terrorist groups in the province, the report added.
Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2026
