ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (Alliance News): Security forces killed at least 10 terrorists during an exchange of fire in Khuzdar district of Balochistan, security sources said on Saturday.
According to the sources, the operation was launched in the Shor Parod mountainous range after receiving reports about the presence of terrorists affiliated with what authorities describe as Fitna al-Hindustan.
Several terrorists were also injured during the operation, the sources added.
Security forces remain determined to continue intelligence-based operations against militant elements until the menace of terrorism is completely eliminated from the country, according to the sources.
The latest operation comes three days after at least eight terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan were killed when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated prematurely while it was being prepared in Surab district of Balochistan.
In a follow-up operation, security forces detected the movement of terrorists attempting to flee the area and engaged them, resulting in further casualties among the militants.
The security forces have intensified operations against militant networks amid a continued rise in terrorist activity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in militant attacks since 2021, particularly in KP and Balochistan, with security agencies conducting operations to dismantle militant networks and prevent attacks against civilians and security personnel.
According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP and Balochistan remained the country’s two major hotspots of violence during the second quarter of 2026.
The report identified KP as the worst-affected region, accounting for more than 61% of violence-related fatalities, with 475 deaths recorded during the quarter.
Balochistan accounted for another 34%, with 265 fatalities, meaning the two provinces together represented nearly 96% of all violence-related deaths recorded nationwide during the period.
KP also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing around 57% of the nationwide total.
Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, accounting for approximately 35% of all reported violent incidents during the quarter.
The concentration of militant activity in the two provinces continues to pose a major security challenge for Pakistan, particularly in remote and mountainous areas where militant groups can exploit difficult terrain.
Security forces have maintained operations in affected areas, while authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for intelligence-based action, improved border management and coordinated efforts to prevent militant networks from operating across the region.
