Story perspectives

Pakistan's Military Claims Major Victory in Balochistan Operation

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pakistan's military concluded a weeklong operation in Balochistan named Radd-ul-Fitna-1, which began on January 29, and claimed it killed 216 fighters from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The operation recovered a substantial cache of foreign weapons and significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorist networks.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government is committed to counterterrorism and alleged that India and Afghanistan support the fighters, which those countries deny.

History

Historical Context

In February 2017, Pakistan launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad to combat terrorism nationwide, following a surge in militant attacks, including a deadly bombing that killed over 90 people. This operation aimed to dismantle sleeper cells and consolidate gains from previous campaigns like Operation Zarb-e-Azb, initiated in 2014. The ongoing conflict reflects the complex interplay of regional insurgencies and foreign influences, particularly from Afghanistan.

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Story summary

Pakistan's military concluded a weeklong operation in Balochistan named Radd-ul-Fitna-1, which began on January 29, and claimed it killed 216 fighters from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The operation recovered a substantial cache of foreign weapons and significantly degraded the capabilities of terrorist networks.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government is committed to counterterrorism and alleged that India and Afghanistan support the fighters, which those countries deny.

1 / 2