Pakistan’s security forces carried out a series of major counterterrorism operations across Balochistan in late September, with the military saying that more than 71 militants were killed within 96 hours. The operations were concentrated in Shaban, Ziarat and surrounding areas, as well as Nushki and Mand, and were launched after intelligence agencies identified suspected militant hideouts.
A major part of the security action was Operation Shaban. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence indicated that multiple hideouts in the general Shaban area of Quetta district posed a threat to nearby communities. Security forces subsequently launched an operation in Ziarat and surrounding areas on September 21.
ISPR said troops engaged militants and cleared several hideouts during the operation. Thirty-three militants were initially reported killed, while weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered. The operation was then intensified, with the military reporting another 23 militants killed during the following 72 hours, bringing the reported toll connected with Operation Shaban to 56.
The security activity was not limited to one location. On September 25, a separate intelligence-based operation was conducted in Nushki district, where ISPR reported that 11 militants were killed after forces engaged a hideout. Another operation in Mand resulted in six militants being killed, according to the military, with weapons and ammunition also recovered. Combined, these operations took the military’s reported four-day total to more than 71.
ISPR described those targeted using the state’s terms Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan and alleged that the groups involved received foreign backing. Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting militant activity and Afghanistan of allowing militant safe havens. India and Afghanistan have denied Pakistani allegations of involvement, an important point when reporting these claims independently.
The latest operations come amid a wider security challenge in Balochistan, where both separatist and religiously motivated militant groups have remained active. Authorities say clearance operations are continuing and that security forces and law-enforcement agencies will continue counterterrorism actions under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework.
For communities living in affected areas, however, the bigger question goes beyond the number of militants killed. The long-term test will be whether sustained security operations can reduce attacks, protect civilians and bring greater stability to a province that has faced years of violence and insecurity.
