Australia on Friday imposed sanctions on the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and three of its senior leaders, according to a statement from Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s office.
“The Australian Government has today imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions on the Balochistan Liberation Army and three senior leaders for their engagement in and support of terrorist attacks,” said the statement dated May 8.
The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the BLA is a “group that has conducted violent terror attacks across Pakistan”. “These appalling attacks have targeted civilians, critical infrastructure, and foreign nationals, as well as the Pakistani state,” the statement read, adding that Australia’s commitment to counter-terrorism and curbing violent extremism is “unwavering”.
“These sanctions help cut off financial support of terrorists, making it harder for them to fund operations, recruit and spread their harmful ideology,” it added.
Wong’s office reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling networks threatening Australia’s security, in collaboration with international partners.
It added that using or dealing with the assets of a listed person or entity, or making assets available to them, is a criminal offence punishable by heavy fines and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Pakistan security forces have successfully neutralized five terrorists linked to the Indian-sponsored militant group Fitna-Al-Khwarij in two separate operations carried out on 7-8 May 2026 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
According to ISPR, the first operation took place in Tank district, where an intelligence-based operation led by security forces resulted in a fierce gunfight.
Four terrorists were killed after an intense exchange of fire. The second operation was carried out in Dera Ismail Khan district, where another terrorist was neutralized in a similar fire exchange.
Moreover, a high-profile terrorist who was killed in a recent operation by security forces in Bannu district was a member of the Afghan Taliban regime’s special forces, security sources said on Friday. Security sources said the terrorist, Fatehullah alias Mudassir, was an active member of Yarmook 60 Special Forces Battalion.
Separately, a policeman was killed after being abducted by unidentified assailants in Bajaur on Friday, officials said.