17 Killed in Balochistan Operations, Soldier Martyred
Balochistan intelligence operations in Kachhi and Kharan districts killed 17 terrorists on November 1, the military media wing said on Tuesday. One soldier embraced martyrdom during the two intelligence-based operations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Security forces acted on reports about the presence of terrorists in both districts. ISPR described the men as belonging to Fitna al Hindustan, a label the state uses for Balochistan-based groups it links to India. That link is Pakistan’s stated position, and ISPR presented it as the basis for the operations.
The first operation took place in the Sanni area of Kachhi district. ISPR said terrorists tried to set up a road block in the city. Security forces acted first and stopped the attempt. Ten terrorists were killed in the exchange, and weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site.
Balochistan intelligence operations in Kharan
The second operation targeted a hideout in Kharan district. Security forces raided the hideout and exchanged fire with the men inside. Seven terrorists were killed, and weapons and ammunition were recovered there as well.
Sepoy Hikmatullah, aged 25, embraced martyrdom during the operations. He belonged to Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. ISPR said sanitisation operations were under way in both areas to clear any remaining terrorists.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the two operations. He paid tribute to Sepoy Hikmatullah and sent condolences to his family. The president said the soldier’s sacrifice for the defence of the homeland and for peace and security would always be remembered. He added that operations under Azm-i-Istehkam would continue until foreign-sponsored terrorism was fully wiped out.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the forces. In a post on X, the interior ministry said he commended their professional skill in stopping the terrorists’ plans. He paid tribute to the martyred soldier and said the brave sons of the security forces were a source of pride for the nation.
What the operations mean for Balochistan
The two operations add to a steady run of counterterrorism action in Balochistan this autumn. Feature Pakistan earlier reported on an intelligence operation in Washuk, where five terrorists were killed in October. The Kachhi and Kharan operations are larger in scale, with 17 killed across two districts in a single day of action.
The operations also sit within a wider security picture across Pakistan. Attacks on polio teams and police posts have continued in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Mohmand polio team incident and an attack on a police post in Bajaur. ISPR said its campaign would continue at full pace, so further statements on sanitisation operations in Kachhi and Kharan may follow in the coming days. The statement did not give a timeline for the sanitisation operations, and it did not name any further areas where follow-up action is planned.
For readers in Balochistan, the practical point is narrow but clear. Security forces say both operation sites are now being cleared, and no further toll has been announced. Any update on the sanitisation operations will change the picture, and this story will need a fresh check once ISPR issues one.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the Balochistan operations take place?
The operations took place in Kachhi and Kharan districts of Balochistan. The Kachhi operation was in the Sanni area, while the Kharan operation targeted a terrorist hideout.
How many terrorists were killed in the operations?
ISPR said 17 terrorists were killed in total. Ten were killed in Kachhi and seven were killed in Kharan, and weapons and ammunition were recovered at both sites.
Who was the soldier martyred in the operations?
Sepoy Hikmatullah, aged 25, embraced martyrdom during the operations. He belonged to Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
When did the operations take place?
ISPR said the intelligence-based operations were conducted on November 1. The military announced the details on Tuesday, November 3.
What happens next in Kachhi and Kharan?
ISPR said sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. The military said its counterterrorism campaign would continue at full pace.
