At least 16 militants were killed in separate security forces and police operations across Balochistan on Wednesday, according to state media and police officials, as counterterrorism operations continued across the province.
The operations took place in Mastung, Turbat and Quetta, involving both security forces and provincial police.
In Mastung, state broadcaster Pakistan Television reported that nine militants were killed after they attempted to attack a security checkpost. Authorities said heavy weapons, ammunition and three motorcycles were recovered following the engagement. The operation was conducted as part of the ongoing Raddul Fitna-3 campaign.
Separately, security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Jausak area of Turbat. Radio Pakistan reported that two militants were killed during the operation. State media described them as affiliated with “Fitna al Hindustan”, the term Pakistani authorities use for Balochistan-based militant groups that the government alleges receive Indian support. India has rejected Pakistani allegations of sponsoring terrorism in the country.
Another five militants were killed during an attempted attack on the Aghbarg police station on the outskirts of Quetta.
Saddar SSP Shafqat Janjua said attackers arrived on motorcycles during the early hours of Wednesday and opened fire on the police station. Personnel deployed there returned fire, leading to a heavy exchange. Police said five attackers belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed and weapons and ammunition were recovered.
No police casualties were reported in Dawn’s account of the Aghbarg engagement.
The latest incidents come amid a broader series of security operations across Balochistan. On Tuesday, state media reported that six militants were killed and nine suspects arrested during an intelligence-based operation in the Saran Tangi area. Four militants were also reported killed during operations in Panjgur on Monday.
The security situation in Balochistan remains challenging. According to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies cited by Dawn, the province recorded 89 militant attacks in August, up seven per cent from 83 in July.
A separate security incident was also reported on Wednesday when the Edhi Foundation said armed men hijacked one of its ambulances in Balochistan. The foundation said the vehicle was returning to its Kalat centre after transporting a woman’s body when unidentified armed men assaulted an Edhi worker and took the ambulance.
The latest operations underline the continuing security pressure across Balochistan, where attacks affect not only law-enforcement operations but also transport, infrastructure, mining activity and everyday movement.
The reported toll of 16 is based on accounts from state media and police officials. Further official information could provide additional details about the identities of those killed and the circumstances surrounding the individual operations.
