9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations, key commander among the dead

Security forces and the Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted two separate operations in the province, killing nine suspected terrorists, according to officials. The operations targeted members of a banned outfit and were carried out in several areas of Mastung, Pishin and Qila Abdullah.

The security actions come as law enforcement agencies continue efforts to disrupt militant networks operating in Balochistan. Officials said the operations were based on intelligence information and involved multiple security and law enforcement units.

Three terrorists killed in Mastung operation

In Mastung, security forces killed three terrorists, including a commander identified as Naqeeb, officials said. The suspects were travelling in a vehicle when security forces targeted them using a quadcopter.

According to officials, the precision strike killed all three terrorists and destroyed the vehicle. The operation was described as an intelligence-based action aimed at targeting suspected militants.

The identification of Naqeeb as a commander could make the development significant for investigators. However, officials did not provide further details about his alleged role, the organisation’s activities or the specific plans linked to the suspects.

The operation in Mastung was separate from the action later conducted in Pishin and Qila Abdullah. Both operations were reported as part of wider efforts to counter militant activity in the province.

Six terrorists killed in joint CTD operation

In another operation, six terrorists belonging to a banned outfit were killed in Pishin and Qila Abdullah districts. The action was carried out jointly by the CTD, police and other law enforcement agencies.

A CTD spokesman said the operation followed intelligence-based information about suspected militant activity. The action covered Killi Sultan, Azhram, Dinar and Gelo areas of Pishin, along with other identified locations in the two districts.

The spokesman said the gun battle continued for about an hour in villages on the outskirts of Saranan. The exchange of fire resulted in injuries to four CTD personnel.

“Four personnel of the CTD have been injured in the gun battle, which continued for an hour in villages on the outskirts of Saranan,” the spokesman said.

The injured personnel were shifted to Quetta Civil Hospital, along with the bodies of the slain terrorists. Officials did not immediately provide details about the condition of the injured officers.

Arrests reported, but not confirmed

There were also reports that five terrorists had been arrested during the operation. However, officials had not confirmed the arrests at the time of the report.

The CTD spokesman said weapons and other material were recovered from the arrested suspects. The reported recovery is expected to form part of the investigation into the suspected militant network.

Authorities are now working to establish the identities of those involved and determine whether they were connected to other individuals or groups. Further investigation will focus on their networks, facilitators and possible plans for terrorist activities.

The reported arrests, if confirmed, could provide investigators with additional information about the organisation’s structure and operations. However, details about the suspects and the recovered material were not fully disclosed.

Also Read:Mastung operation kills three terrorists, including commander

Joint leadership and ongoing investigation

The operation in Pishin and Qila Abdullah was jointly led by the Zhob Range deputy inspector general, the CTD commander and the Pishin senior superintendent of police.

The involvement of several law enforcement agencies reflects a coordinated approach to counterterrorism operations in the province. Such operations often rely on intelligence gathering, local policing and specialised counterterrorism units.

Officials said the investigation would continue to gather information about the suspected militants and their alleged associates. Authorities are also expected to examine whether the suspects were involved in planned attacks or other militant activities.

No further details were immediately provided about possible targets, planned attacks or the broader network allegedly linked to the slain suspects.

Balochistan chief minister praises security forces

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the security forces following the reported operations. He described the action as evidence of the state institutions’ resolve to combat terrorism.

Bugti also commended the professional capabilities of the security personnel involved. His remarks came after officials reported the deaths of nine suspected terrorists and injuries to four CTD personnel.

The chief minister’s statement reflects the provincial government’s support for ongoing counterterrorism efforts. However, the longer-term impact of such operations will depend on whether authorities can disrupt militant networks and prevent further attacks.

Security operations remain a regular part of efforts to address terrorism-related threats in Balochistan. The province has faced security challenges involving militant groups, making intelligence-led actions an important part of law enforcement strategy.