Pakistan | By NEWS DESK
QUETTA — Pakistani security forces killed 10 militants and wounded several others during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district on Saturday, according to security sources, as counterterrorism operations intensify across the restive southwestern province.
The operation was conducted in the mountainous Shor Parod area of Khuzdar following intelligence about the presence of militants whom Pakistani authorities describe as members of “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a state term for Baloch militant groups Islamabad alleges receive backing from India.
India has previously rejected Pakistani accusations that it sponsors militant violence in Balochistan. The claim of Indian backing in Saturday’s operation has not been independently verified.
Several Militants Reportedly Wounded
Security sources said an exchange of fire broke out after forces moved into the area, killing 10 militants and injuring several others.
Search and clearance operations were continuing in the region after the encounter.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces following the operation and reiterated the government’s commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations.
Latest in Series of Balochistan Operations
The Khuzdar raid comes amid a wider security push across Balochistan.
Five militants, including a commander identified by security sources as Wazir, were killed in an intelligence operation in Panjgur earlier this week. Pakistani authorities also reported operations across several other districts targeting networks they accuse of carrying out attacks against security forces, civilians and infrastructure.
The latest violence underscores the continuing security challenge in Balochistan, where separatist militant groups have waged a long-running insurgency against the Pakistani state.
Why It Matters
Khuzdar has emerged as one of the important fronts in Pakistan’s battle against militancy in Balochistan.
Saturday’s operation shows that Islamabad is increasingly relying on intelligence-led raids and targeted clearance operations rather than waiting to respond after major attacks.
But the broader challenge remains substantial. Military successes can disrupt militant networks and eliminate fighters, yet lasting stability will also depend on preventing recruitment, protecting civilians and addressing the political and economic grievances that have fueled instability in Balochistan.
For now, the latest Khuzdar operation reinforces Islamabad’s message that its campaign against militant networks in the province will continue.