Army major martyred, 4 terrorists killed in Balochistan IBOs: ISPR

An army major was killed and four terrorists were eliminated in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, according to the military's media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) disclosed that security forces launched multiple operations in Shadi Kaur and Pasni in Gwadar, and Jattakabad in Kalat district, targeting the presence of multiple hideouts belonging to the Fitna al Hindustan groups.

These groups were designated as such to underscore India's alleged involvement in terrorism and destabilization in Pakistan.

The first operation took place on October 18 in Jattakabad, where security forces neutralized four terrorists, seizing a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. Major Wajahat Waheed, a 34-year-old resident of Lahore who was leading the operation, was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The ISPR emphasized that "sanitisation operations will continue to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area."

The ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, guided by the "Azm-e-Istehkam" vision approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will proceed with full vigor. ISPR reiterated the commitment of security forces and law enforcement agencies to root out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Terrorist activities in Balochistan have surged in recent years, prompting security forces to ramp up counter-terrorism operations. A day prior to the latest incident, security forces killed eight "India-sponsored" terrorists during an IBO in Quetta, Nushki, and Khuzdar districts of Balochistan. On the night of October 12-13, a terrorist hideout was dismantled, resulting in the death of five terrorists during an IBO in Washuk.

Subsequently, Balochistan government officials announced the arrest of six terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two female suicide bombers, and two commanders of a banned organization during operations across the province. Around 90 detained terrorists are currently held at a facility for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Earlier in the month, five terrorists were eliminated in Balochistan's Mastung district, reported state media. According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the number of terrorist attacks in the province rose by seven percent from 83 in July to 89 in August. Balochistan was identified as the province "most affected" by terrorism.