Terrorist commander killed in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah during security operation
Wanted commander killed during intelligence-based operation
Security forces killed a terrorist commander during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Qila Saifullah, Balochistan, Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday, citing security sources. The report identified the man as Adil Shah, also known as Darvesh, and said he was associated with the group the state calls Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Radio Pakistan reported, “Security forces are actively carrying out operations against terrorists in Balochistan under ‘Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3’. According to security sources, the terrorist commander had been associated with Fitna-al-Khawarij since Dec 2020 and had been managing the financial affairs of the group since 2024,”
According to the report, the commander was also accused of helping foreign militants establish permanent residences in Zhob, Sherani and Shaban. Security sources further alleged that he had been involved in attacks on security forces and kidnapping people for ransom since 2022.
Cases and bounty linked to the commander
The state media report said 19 first information reports (FIRs) had been registered against the slain commander. It added that authorities had announced a bounty of Rs2.5 million for information leading to his capture.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said in a post on X that the commander’s killing reflected the security forces’ “professional expertise and readiness”. The operation comes as security forces continue efforts to prevent militant attacks across the province.
Recent security operations in Balochistan
Balochistan has faced repeated militant attacks and security challenges in recent months. On October 19, an army major was martyred and four terrorists were killed during intelligence-based operations in the province.
A day earlier, security forces killed eight militants described as “India-sponsored” during operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar. Five more were killed in Washuk on October 14, while the Counter-Terrorism Department reported killing 10 militants in Barkhan on October 10.
Other operations were reported in Awaran and Mastung in September, while security forces also killed 21 militants in separate encounters in Nokcha, Chagai, Ziarat Cross and Pishin earlier that month. These figures were reported by authorities and media outlets covering the operations.
Terrorism rises, with Balochistan most affected
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a rise in militant violence across the country in September. Its figures showed 225 attacks nationwide, up from 199 in August, marking a 13.1 per cent increase and the highest monthly total in 12 years.
The report said terrorism-related deaths rose by 64 per cent, from 158 to 259, while injuries increased by 33.7 per cent to 242. Balochistan was the most affected province, accounting for 131 attacks, or 58.2 per cent of the national total.
The killing is part of continued security operations against militant groups in Balochistan. However, the reported rise in attacks and casualties shows that the security situation remains serious, especially in Balochistan.
Also read: 70 India-backed terrorists killed in security forces’ Balochistan operations: ISPR
