KHUZDAR: Pakistan’s security forces killed 15 militants during intelligence based operations across Balochistan, including suspected Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants in Khuzdar’s Gresha area on Sunday, Aug. 9, according to security officials, as part of the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 aimed at countering militant activities in the province.
Officials said security forces launched the operation after receiving information about the presence of militants in the area. During the operation, troops faced resistance from the militants, leading to an exchange of fire.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised security forces for the successful operations and appreciated their efforts in fighting terrorism. He said the forces had prevented the plans of groups identified by authorities as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
Naqvi described security personnel as a source of national pride and praised their courage and commitment in countering security threats. He said the government remained determined to eliminate militant groups from Balochistan.
Security sources said the militants were allegedly preparing videos to portray the attack as a victory and spread false information about the confrontation. Officials stated that the operation prevented their plans and eliminated the group members involved in the clash.
Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 is part of Pakistan’s continued efforts to target militant networks operating in Balochistan. The province has experienced several attacks in recent years linked to separatist and militant groups.
Security forces responded, resulting in an exchange of fire that killed eight militants, including a senior commander, officials said.
They added that the hideout was destroyed, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. Authorities said the operation was conducted to prevent further militant activities and strengthen security in the region.
In a separate operation near Quetta, security forces also reported killing between eight and 10 militants in the Kambela and Asimabad areas under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. Officials said troops conducted a search and clearance operation across 68 square kilometers of the area.
During the operation, security personnel recovered the bodies of two militants, while several others, including commander Shaukat Mama, were reported injured, as twelve suspects were also detained during the security action, according to officials.
According to the report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 475 deaths, accounting for more than 61% of total violence-related deaths during the period. Balochistan recorded 265 deaths, representing about 34% of the total.
The forces also destroyed suspected militant hideouts and removed flags linked to Fitna al-Hindustan during the operation. Security officials said such operations are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt militant groups, recover illegal weapons and improve security conditions across Balochistan, the claims could not be independently verified.
