ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s security forces killed seven terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Sherani district, the military confirmed on Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched on October 1 after reports of terrorist activity in the area. The militants were identified as members of “Fitna al Khawarij”, a term used by the state for TTP operatives allegedly backed by India. The terrorists were heavily armed and engaged security forces before being neutralised.
The ISPR said the operation led to an intense exchange of fire. During the battle, all seven militants were “sent to hell,” the ISPR stated. Security forces recovered a cache of weapons, explosives, and ammunition from the scene. These militants were allegedly involved in multiple attacks in the region. A search and sanitisation operation is still ongoing to ensure no further threats remain in the area.
The military accused the group of being Indian-sponsored, a claim often repeated in official narratives against cross-border terrorism. ISPR said the armed forces remain committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism in Pakistan. “We will continue to hunt down enemies of peace and hold them accountable,” the statement said. It also reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to fight terrorism, especially in restive regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for the successful mission. He said Pakistan will never allow its enemies to threaten national security. “We will not let those who wish to harm our country succeed,” he said in a statement issued by the Associated Press of Pakistan. He stressed the importance of continued vigilance and unity against terrorism.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in terrorist attacks this year, especially in KP and Balochistan. The surge followed the collapse of a ceasefire with the banned TTP in 2022. Recent reports by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) show violence in 2025 nearly matches all of 2024. Most attacks target security forces and law enforcement. The government has vowed to respond with full force.