Pakistan’s military says security forces have killed eight militants in three separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the results on Sunday, 18 October 2026, saying the operations took place on Saturday, 17 October.
What ISPR Said About the Operations
Quetta (Panjpai area): According to ISPR, security forces intercepted an attempt by militants to set up a roadblock to disrupt local traffic. Five militants were killed.
Nushki: During a sanitisation operation, forces reportedly busted a hideout and killed two militants after an intense exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were recovered.
Khuzdar: Forces engaged another hideout and killed one militant. ISPR says 490 kilograms of explosives were recovered.
ISPR added that sanitisation operations were continuing in the areas to find any remaining militants.
Who Are the Groups Targeted?
ISPR described the militants as belonging to “Fitna al Hindustan”, the label the Pakistani state uses for Balochistan-based militant groups it alleges are backed by India. India has rejected such allegations in the past. The details of these operations come from the military’s statement and have not been independently verified.
Counter-Terrorism Campaign Under Azm-i-Istehkam
The military said its campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam vision, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace.
Recent Security Developments in Balochistan
- On the night of 12 and 13 October, forces killed five militants in an operation in Washuk, according to ISPR.
- Days later, Balochistan government officials said six members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two would-be female suicide bombers and two commanders of a banned organisation had been arrested in operations across the province. Officials said around 90 arrested militants are being held at a centre where investigation and legal proceedings are under way.
- Earlier this month, five militants were reported killed in Mastung district.
Why Balochistan Remains a Security Concern
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows terrorist attacks in Balochistan rose by 7 percent, from 83 in July to 89 in August, and the province was named the most affected by terrorism. The latest operations come as the federal government is also dealing with security and political tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which remains under emergency and governor’s rule.
