Story perspectives

21 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Raids, ISPR Says

9/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pakistan security forces killed 21 terrorists in Balochistan on the night of August 31–September 1.
Six security personnel, including two officers and a customs official, died in those operations.
Subsequent raids on September 3 and 4 killed 11 terrorists near Ziarat Cross and 36 across Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi.
ISPR said 48 Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed in 48–72 hours as part of the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign.

History

Historical Context

Operation Zarb-e-Azb, launched by the Pakistan Armed Forces in June 2014, expelled militants from North Waziristan and claimed over 3,000 insurgents killed. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the campaign cost $1.2 billion and displaced 1.5 million civilians across the tribal belt. Similarly, in August-September 2024, Pakistan security forces launched the Azm-e-Istehkam operation in Balochistan, killing 48 Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij militants within 72 hours. The precedent set by Zarb-e-Azb suggests that swift, large-scale offensives can temporarily suppress insurgency but often trigger renewed cycles of violence and displacement.

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Story summary

Pakistan security forces killed 21 terrorists in Balochistan on the night of August 31–September 1.
Six security personnel, including two officers and a customs official, died in those operations.
Subsequent raids on September 3 and 4 killed 11 terrorists near Ziarat Cross and 36 across Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi.
ISPR said 48 Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed in 48–72 hours as part of the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign.

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