Major, 4 soldiers martyred in Balochistan operation

ISPR says seven terrorists also killed in Barkhan's Nosham area

RAWALPINDI:

A major-ranked officer and four soldiers embraced martyrdom during an area sanitisation operation in Balochistan's Barkham district, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.

At least seven terrorists were also killed during the operation.

"On the morning of May 13, 2026, troops of Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps Balochistan commenced an area sanitisation operation at general area Nosham of Barkhan District to eliminate terrorists of Indian backed Fitna Al Hindustan," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

It said the troops located and engaged a group of terrorists. "During fire exchange seven terrorists of Indian backed Fitna Al Hindustan were sent to hell," the ISPR added, further saying that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from them.

'Fitna al-Hindustan' is a term used by the state to refer to all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.

The ISPR said that Major Bhatti, 31, a resident of Pakpattan district, was martyred, along with Naik Fida Hussain, 36, from Sukkur; Sepoy Zakir Hussain, 32, from Skardu; Sepoy Suhail Ahmed, 21, from Khanewal, and Sepoy Muhammad Ayaz, 24, from Rahim Yar Khan.

The military's media wing said the sanitisation operation in the surrounding areas was continuing to eliminate any other "Indian-sponsored terrorists" present.

"Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision 'Azm e Istehkam' (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the statement concluded.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised officers and personnel of the security forces for carrying out an operation against terrorists in the Nosham area of Balochistan's Barkhan district.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, while paying tribute to Major Bhatti and other soldiers martyred during the operation, the premier also prayed for the elevation of their ranks and expressed condolences to their families.

"These great sons of the soil set a remarkable example of loyalty while defending the country against terrorists," the prime minister said.

"The Pakistani nation will never forget the immense sacrifices of its martyrs," he added.

PM Shehbaz said officers and personnel of the security forces remained engaged day and night in protecting the country.

"In the unwavering resolve to defend the homeland, the entire nation, including myself, stands shoulder to shoulder with our brave security forces," he said.