Pakistan Army Major Martyred, 4 Terrorists Killed In Balochistan Operations: Report

The Pakistan Army lost a major and eliminated four suspected terrorists during intelligence-based operations in Balochistan on October 18, according to the country's military. Security forces carried out targeted missions in the Shadi Kaur area of Gwadar district and Jattakabad in Kalat district following intelligence reports of militant activity.

The military identified the group as Fitna al Hindustan, alleging it was an Indian-sponsored terror organization, though confirmation remained unconfirmed. In Jattakabad, an intense gunfight between security personnel and militants resulted in the deaths of four suspected terrorists, with weapons and ammunition also recovered. Meanwhile, a separate operation in Shadi Kaur witnessed Major Wajahat Waheed's death when his security team was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) while clearing a suspected militant hideout.

The attack claimed the life of Major Waheed, who was identified as a resident of Lahore, though his age was reported to vary in media accounts. Following the tragedy, security forces continued clearance operations in the area to ensure no remaining militants remained and prevent future attacks. The incident prompted Pakistani media to report Major Waheed's identity, despite differing age accounts.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over Major Waheed's death and extended tributes to the security forces engaged in counter-terrorism operations. The military announced that sanitization efforts would persist until the region was clear of any residual threats. The operation was framed as part of the broader counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, with the ISPR reaffirming its commitment to eradicating militancy across the nation.

The latest operations underscore the ongoing security challenges faced in Balochistan, a resource-rich province situated between Iran and Afghanistan that has been grappling with a protracted insurgency.