Security forces kill three terrorists in Balochistan IBO: sources

• Forces recover weapons and ammunition from militants.
• IBO takes place under ongoing Rad-ul-Fitna-3 campaign.
• Security forces continue operations against militants.
  

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out in the Badrang area of Balochistan’s Awaran district, security sources said on Thursday.

According to the security sources, the latest IBO was conducted as part of the ongoing series of intelligence-based operations under Rad-ul-Fitna-3, a sustained counterterrorism campaign aimed at eliminating Indian proxies.

A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the militants, they said.

The latest IBO comes days after security forces killed at least three Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists, including a militant commander, in Balochistan’s Mastung.

Three terrorists, including commander Naqeeb, were killed and their vehicle was completely destroyed in the operation, security sources said.

Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 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.