Pakistan’s security forces have intensified Operation Shaban in Balochistan, with security sources reporting that at least 17 more India-backed militants were killed during the latest phase of the operation. As a result, the total number of militants eliminated in the ongoing campaign has risen to 43.
The operation began after the deadly attack on the Mangi Dam police station. Since then, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police have continued coordinated operations against militant hideouts across the region.
Operation Launched After Mangi Dam Attack
Security sources said Operation Shaban was initiated immediately after the attack on the Mangi Dam police station. The joint operation aims to eliminate militants involved in the assault and restore security in the affected areas.
Earlier this week, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that India-backed militants attacked the police checkpoint. However, police personnel resisted the assault with courage and killed 15 militants during the initial exchange of fire.
He also said nine police officers embraced martyrdom during the early stages of the attack. According to him, the militants took several police personnel hostage before security forces reached the area.
Hostage Situation Complicated Rescue Operation
Speaking about the operation, Lt Gen Chaudhry explained that security forces carefully tightened the cordon around the militants because “our children were being held hostage.”
He further said security forces remained engaged with the militants in the mountains of Ziarat from July 6.
According to the military spokesperson, “When the terrorists realised the cordon had tightened, these cowards martyred 18 police personnel.”
He confirmed that 27 police personnel embraced martyrdom during the Mangi checkpoint attack, while security forces killed 26 militants in that operation.
Khuzdar Police Station Attack Also Repelled
Meanwhile, security sources said another militant attack targeted a police station in Khuzdar. However, security personnel successfully repelled the assault before militants could achieve their objective.
Following the attack, Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps troops launched a response operation. According to preliminary reports, eight militants were killed during the action.
Security sources further stated that, since July 5, a total of 79 militants have been eliminated during Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations conducted across Balochistan.
Additionally, helicopter operations reportedly resulted in the deaths of another five to six militants.
Prime Minister Reaffirms Resolve Against Terrorism
While security forces continue operations, recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan claimed the lives of 42 people, including security personnel and civilians.
Addressing the Provincial Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan in Quetta, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating India-backed terrorism from Balochistan.
He said, “We have to thwart the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawarij.”
The prime minister also stressed that the nation stands united with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
Furthermore, he declared, “This war [against terrorism] will continue until the last terrorist in Pakistan is eliminated.”
Referring to India, the premier said Pakistan’s “eastern neighbour” was behind the recent terrorist attacks. He also alleged that Afghan soil was being used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
According to the prime minister, the “enemy was unable to digest Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.”
He reaffirmed that the government would utilize all available resources to eliminate terrorism and place the country on the path of lasting peace, development, and prosperity.
Field Marshal Asim Munir Warns Against Cross-Border Terrorism
Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also reiterated the state’s resolve to defeat terrorism.
Addressing a ceremony at the National Defence University, he said terrorism originating across Pakistan’s borders would be crushed with the full strength of the state.
The field marshal added that the armed forces remain fully aware of state-sponsored efforts by hostile intelligence agencies to destabilize Pakistan.
He further stated that proxies and militant networks operating under hostile intelligence agencies would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s internal security or economic progress.
