RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 12 militants during two separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted under the ongoing Rad-ul-Fitna-3 counterterrorism campaign, which is aimed at targeting militant networks described by authorities as Indian proxies.
The ISPR said security forces detected the movement of six militants in Washuk on August 5. The forces subsequently carried out an operation in the area, resulting in the deaths of all six militants.
In another operation conducted in Mastung on August 6, six more militants were killed following an exchange of fire with security personnel. The forces also destroyed a militant hideout during the operation, according to the ISPR.
The military said the operations were being carried out as part of the broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue intelligence-based operations against what it described as foreign-sponsored and foreign-backed terrorism.
The latest operations come about a week after security forces reported killing four militants in Khuzdar district and destroying two vehicles allegedly carrying explosives.
According to the ISPR, security personnel had intercepted the movement of two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices during that operation before engaging those operating the vehicles.
Pakistan has experienced increased militant violence since 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The two provinces have remained among the country’s most affected areas in recent years.
A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded across Pakistan during the second quarter of 2026.
According to the report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded more than 61% of the total deaths, with 475 fatalities, while Balochistan accounted for 34%, with 265 deaths.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also recorded the highest number of violent incidents during the period, with 151 cases, representing 57% of the national total. Balochistan ranked second with 94 incidents, accounting for 35%.
The figures highlight the continued concentration of militant activity and security challenges in the two provinces.
