Security forces killed 41 militants during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan on January 29, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military spokesperson in a statement said those killed belonged to what it described as Indian-sponsored groups. In official terminology, “Fitna al Khwarij (FAK)” refers to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, while “Fitna al Hindustan (FAH)” is used for militants linked to the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF).
Harnai Operation
One IBO was conducted on the outskirts of Harnai District after reports of the presence of FAK militants. Troops engaged a militant hideout, leading to an intense exchange of fire. According to ISPR, 30 militants were killed in the operation. Security forces also recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives, which were destroyed at the site.
Panjgur Operation
A second IBO took place in Panjgur District, where security forces targeted a militant hideout linked to FAH. The military said 11 militants were killed during the operation.
Weapons and ammunition were seized, and security forces also recovered cash reportedly looted during a bank robbery in Panjgur on December 15, 2025. Officials said the militants killed were involved in multiple past terrorist activities.
On December 16, militants belonging to the banned BLA had attempted a bank attack in the Chatkan area of Panjgur. At the time, three attackers were killed while others escaped. Authorities say the money recovered in the latest operation is linked to that incident.
Ongoing Operations
ISPR said sanitisation operations are continuing in both areas to clear any remaining militant presence.
The statement added that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign under the national framework “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue to target what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism.
National Counterterrorism Data
Earlier, during a press briefing on January 6, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry shared nationwide counterterrorism statistics for 2025.
According to DG ISPR:
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75,175 intelligence-based operations were conducted across Pakistan
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14,658 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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58,778 in Balochistan
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1,739 in other parts of the country
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5,397 terrorism incidents were reported nationwide
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3,811 in KP
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1,557 in Balochistan
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29 elsewhere
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2,597 militants were killed in counter terror operations during the year.
The DG ISPR also stated that several major attacks targeted civilians and soft targets, and that Afghan nationals were involved in those incidents.
