Five India-backed terrorists killed during IBO in Balochistan’s Panjgur: security sources

• Forces recovered machine guns and ammunition: security sources.
• Clearance operation continues against remaining militants in area.
• Security czar praises forces’ professionalism after successful IBO.

ISLAMABAD: Security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas of Panjgur district in Balochistan under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3 and killed five terrorists, including a key militant commander, security sources said on Monday.

The operation targeted members of Fitna al-Hindustan and resulted in the killing of five terrorists, including the group’s commander Wazir, son of Jamal, the sources added.

Security forces also recovered four motorcycles, machine guns, heavy weapons and a cache of ammunition from the possession of the slain terrorists.

The killed militants were involved in robbery, extortion, kidnapping and terrorist activities targeting traders and civilians in the area.

A clearance operation is underway to eliminate any remaining Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists in the vicinity, the security sources said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised security forces for carrying out a successful IBO in Panjgur, Balochistan, and commended their professionalism after five terrorists were killed during the raid.

In a statement, the interior minister said that the security forces had once again demonstrated their resolve in the fight against terrorism.

He added that the country’s courageous troops were continuing efforts to eliminate terrorists from Balochistan and restore lasting peace in the province.

Naqvi said the entire nation stood united against terrorism and remained firmly alongside the security forces in the fight against militant elements.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting security forces in their efforts to eradicate terrorism from the country.

A day ago, security forces eliminated 15 India-backed terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during a series of IBOs conducted under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3 across multiple districts of Balochistan, including Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki.

Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its KP and Balochistan provinces, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban came into power.

According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP emerging as the worst-affected region.

The report stated that KP and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. Of the total deaths, more than 61% (475) were reported in KP, while Balochistan accounted for 34% (265).

KP also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing 57% of the nationwide total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, or 35%, underscoring the concentration of militant activity in the two provinces.