216 terrorists eliminated in Balochistan, says ISPR

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces have successfully concluded "Operation Raddul-Fitna-1" in Balochistan, killing 216 terrorists in a series of coordinated, intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the military's media wing said the operations targeted terrorist groups seeking to disrupt peace and development by attacking innocent civilians, including women and children. The campaign involved swift actions by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.

State media reported on Tuesday that Pakistan's security forces had killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna al Hindustan group during ongoing counterterrorism operations in the province.

The federal government has designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits.

"On 29 January 2026, operations were initiated in Panjgur and the outskirts of Harnai District after credible and verified intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorist elements posing an imminent threat to the local public," the ISPR statement said.

"During this phase, security forces undertook operations against identified terrorist hideouts, resulting in the elimination of 41 terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy networks."

The military said security forces later repelled what it described as desperate attacks by Fitna al Hindustan.

"Subsequently, aggressive and steadfast responses by the brave security forces effectively thwarted the desperate attacks of Fitna al Hindustan to destabilise the peace of Balochistan," the statement said.

It added that a broader series of IBOs were then launched across multiple areas to dismantle terrorist sleeper cells through sustained combing and sanitisation efforts.

"Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence, and seamless joint execution, Pakistan's security forces and law enforcement agencies, with the support of intelligence agencies under Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 responded with precision and resolve, the military's media wing said.

"As a result of these well-coordinated engagements and subsequent clearance operations, 216 terrorists have been sent to hell, significantly degrading the leadership, command-and-control structures, and operational capabilities of terrorist networks," it added.

The military said a large cache of foreign-origin weapons, ammunition, explosives, and equipment was recovered during the process. Preliminary analysis, it said, pointed to systematic external facilitation and logistical support for the extremist proxies.

"During these operations, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, embraced shahadat, while 22 brave security forces and law enforcement agencies' personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Pakistan's territorial integrity and the protection of its citizens," the ISPR said.

"Their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment reflect the highest traditions of service," it added.

"The nation honours their sacrifice and stands in solidarity with the families of all martyrs."

The Pakistan Armed Forces reiterated their resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations under the government's National Action Plan (NAP), saying counterterrorism operations will continue with "full determination until the complete elimination of terrorist threats".

"Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 stands as a testament to Pakistan's and particularly Balochistan's proud peoples' unwavering commitment to always prefer peace over violence, unity over division, and development over violence," the ISPR statement said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces and law enforcement agencies on the successful completion of Operation Raddul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan.

The president said the "timely action" by security forces had foiled "a malicious attempt to sabotage peace in Balochistan by Fitna-e-Hindustan".

"The complete elimination of terrorism backed by external support remains our top priority," a statement by the Presidency quoted President Zardari as saying.

The president added that he was encouraged by the success of coordinated, IBOs, which he said had "broken the leadership and operational capacity of terrorist networks operating with external backing".

"The nation salutes the sacrifices of its martyrs and remains united in the fight against terrorism."

In a separate statement, the prime minister lauded the officers and personnel of the security forces and the leadership of the armed forces for the success of the ongoing operation against terrorist elements seeking to undermine peace in Balochistan.

He commended the professional capabilities of the security forces for dismantling the command structure of terrorists and eliminating a total of 216 terrorists during the operation.

He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 36 civilians, including women and children, in terrorist attacks, and paid tribute to 22 security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

He said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs and vowed that the nefarious designs of terrorists targeting innocent citizens would continue to be foiled.

The prime minister stated that by attacking innocent people, the terrorists had proven themselves enemies of Balochistan's peace, development, and prosperity. He reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete eradication from the country.

"The entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the unwavering resolve to defend the homeland," he said.