Security Forces Kill 17 Terrorists in Balochistan Following Quetta Train Bombing: ISPR

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 17 terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations in different districts of Balochistan following the deadly Quetta train bombing that shocked the country last month. The operations were carried out in Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, Zehri and Kech districts as part of Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against militant groups operating in the province.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations targeted multiple terrorist hideouts after security agencies received intelligence reports about militant activity in the region. Security forces engaged the militants in intense exchanges of fire, resulting in the killing of 17 terrorists linked to what Pakistani authorities described as “India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan”.

The military’s media wing said the successful operations dealt a major blow to terrorist networks active in Balochistan. Large quantities of weapons, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered from the militants during the raids. Officials stated that the killed terrorists were involved in several attacks and terrorist activities across the province.

The operations came days after a deadly suicide bombing near a railway track in Quetta on May 24. The attack targeted a shuttle train near Chaman Phatak and killed at least 14 people while leaving more than 20 injured. Among those martyred were Frontier Corps personnel, while women and children were also reported among the injured victims.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorism and militant attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Security officials say militant groups have increased attacks on security forces, civilians and public infrastructure in recent years.

ISPR said sanitisation operations are still continuing in the affected areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and dismantle militant networks completely. The military added that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy would continue at full pace to remove the threat of terrorism from the country.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the successful operations and called the action a major achievement in the fight against terrorism. He said the professionalism, courage and quick response of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies helped foil the plans of militants operating in Balochistan.

Naqvi said the entire nation stands with Pakistan’s security forces in the war against terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the country. He added that operations against terrorists would continue until complete peace is restored.

The latest operations highlight Pakistan’s intensified efforts to tackle rising terrorism threats in Balochistan and strengthen national security after several recent attacks targeting civilians and security personnel.