Key Commander Among Five Killed in Balochistan Raid
Pakistan’s security forces have killed five suspected militants during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, according to security sources.
The operation was carried out on Monday in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3.
Security sources said the raid targeted members of a militant network they described as “Fitna al-Hindustan.” They alleged that the group received support from India.
The reported foreign backing has not been independently verified.
Among those killed was a suspected commander identified by security sources as Wazir, son of Jamal.
Officials described him as an important figure within the militant network operating in the region.
Security personnel also recovered four motorcycles, machine guns, heavy weapons and a large quantity of ammunition during the operation.
According to the security sources, the militants had been linked to attacks as well as robbery, extortion and kidnapping incidents involving traders and civilians in the area.
A clearance operation remained underway after the initial raid.
Security forces were searching the surrounding area for any other suspected militants who may have escaped during the operation.
Mohsin Naqvi Praises Security Forces After Panjgur Operation
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised security forces following the operation.
He commended their professionalism and said the latest action demonstrated Pakistan’s continuing resolve against militant groups.
Naqvi said security personnel were carrying out operations to eliminate militant networks in Balochistan and restore lasting peace.
He added that the government would continue supporting the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in counterterrorism operations.
The interior minister also said the country remained united behind security forces confronting militant violence.
The Panjgur operation came one day after security sources reported that 15 suspected militants had been killed in a series of intelligence-based operations across several districts of Balochistan.
Those operations reportedly took place in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Nushki.
Pakistani security officials also described those militants as receiving Indian backing.
The latest operations form part of an intensified counterterrorism campaign in Balochistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting militant organisations operating in the province. New Delhi has historically rejected Pakistani allegations that it sponsors terrorism inside Pakistan.
KP and Balochistan Remain Pakistan’s Main Violence Hotspots
The latest operation comes as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue to face the highest levels of militant and counterterrorism-related violence in Pakistan.
According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded 774 violence-linked deaths during the second quarter of 2026 across at least 267 incidents.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan together accounted for almost 96 percent of all violence-related fatalities during the quarter.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 475 deaths, representing more than 61 percent of the national total.
Balochistan recorded 265 fatalities, or about 34 percent.
KP also recorded 151 violent incidents during the quarter, accounting for 57 percent of the nationwide total.
Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, representing about 35 percent.
The CRSS report found that violence across Pakistan declined slightly overall compared with the previous quarter.
However, the security situation remained heavily concentrated in the two western provinces.
Counterterrorism operations have consequently intensified as authorities attempt to dismantle militant networks and prevent further attacks.
The Panjgur clearance operation is continuing, while security officials have not yet announced whether any security personnel were killed or injured during Monday’s raid.
