7 Militants Linked to ‘India-Backed’ Network Killed in Balochistan Operation: ISPR
Seven militants with alleged ties to India were neutralised during an intelligence-led operation by security forces in the Sherani district of Balochistan, according to a statement released Friday by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operation, which took place on October 1, targeted suspected members of Fitna al Khawarij—a term used by the Pakistani state for operatives associated with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), described by officials as an Indian proxy.
“Security forces launched the operation based on confirmed intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area,” the ISPR said. “Following a fierce exchange of fire, seven militants allegedly supported by India were eliminated.”
During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives. The ISPR added that the slain militants were involved in several terrorist attacks across the region.
A sweeping clearance operation is currently ongoing in Sherani to root out any remaining threats, the military’s media wing confirmed.
“The Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism that is being orchestrated with foreign backing. Our resolve remains unshaken to ensure such elements are held accountable,” the ISPR stated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the military’s efforts, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against terrorism. “We will not let any hostile agenda compromise Pakistan’s sovereignty,” he said, as reported by the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Pakistan has experienced a noticeable rise in militant violence, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Most attacks have targeted security personnel and law enforcement agencies. The resurgence in violence followed the collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the government and the TTP in 2022.
Recent findings by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), released on Wednesday, revealed that the scale of militant activity in the first nine months of 2025 is nearly on par with the entirety of 2024.
