Security forces killed 21 terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored militant groups in separate encounters in Balochistan during the night of August 31 and September 1, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
According to a press release issued by the military’s media wing, six personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, embraced martyrdom in the operations.
In the first incident in Nokcha, Chagai District, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to disrupt the peaceful movement of commuters along the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion on August 31.
Security forces responded immediately and, after an intense exchange of fire, killed 11 terrorists on the spot. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the slain militants.
During the night of August 31 to September 1, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to breach the Customs House in Ziarat Cross, Pishin District. Security forces responded effectively and killed 10 terrorists after an intense exchange of fire.
Fleeing terrorists were also engaged by security forces, inflicting further casualties.
The ISPR described the attack on the Customs House as a manifestation of the terror-crime nexus, orchestrated to prevent customs officials from performing their lawful duties and thereby facilitate the continuation of criminal activities in the area.
However, six brave sons of the soil — including two officers and a government official from the Customs Department — made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire.
Sanitisation operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population and vital national highways.
The ISPR said the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue with full resolve, with security forces and law enforcement agencies remaining committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
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.
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