Security Forces Kill 74 Terrorists in KP, Balochistan
Security forces killed 74 terrorists in intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Friday. The operations targeted networks the military describes as Indian-sponsored, in the two provinces hit hardest by militancy.
The Inter-Services Public Relations said 43 terrorists were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 48 hours, while 31 were killed in an operation under way in Balochistan since November 3.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, troops carried out a series of intelligence-based operations in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, and Orakzai. Thirty-five terrorists were killed in Mir Ali and eight in Orakzai after intense exchanges of fire.
“In a determined effort to eliminate terrorist threats and dismantle the khwarij networks, security forces are conducting a series of intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. These operations have been further expanded to the areas of Mir Ali and Orakzai,” the ISPR said.
A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives, including homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices, was recovered during sanitisation. The military said the recoveries had thwarted the terrorists’ plans to use the material in attacks.
74 terrorists killed: 31 in Quetta’s Kurram area
In Balochistan, security forces have carried out a comprehensive intelligence-based area sanitisation operation in the Kurram area of Quetta district since November 3. The operation targets militants from Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, the terms the state uses for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch separatist networks.
“During the conduct of these intelligence-based operations, multiple terrorist hideouts were effectively engaged, and after multiple engagements, 31 India-sponsored Khawarij were sent to hell. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the Khawarij locations,” the ISPR said.
Sanitisation operations continue in both provinces to clear any remaining militants. The military said the campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, the national counterterrorism initiative, would continue at full pace.
Why KP and Balochistan face the most attacks
The two provinces have borne almost all of Pakistan’s militant violence this year. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, KP and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96 per cent of all violence-related deaths in the second quarter of 2026.
KP recorded the most deaths, with more than 61 per cent of the total, or 475 people. Balochistan accounted for 34 per cent, or 265 people. KP also recorded the most incidents, with 151 cases, or 57 per cent of the nationwide total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, or 35 per cent.
Pakistan has seen a rise in attacks, above all in KP and Balochistan, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban returned to power.
The pattern has been visible in Feature Pakistan’s own coverage this week. Three militants were killed as an attack on a post in Mastung was foiled. Two policemen were martyred in Swabi and a police station was attacked in DI Khan. Mir Ali itself has been targeted before: three militants were killed in an intelligence operation there last month.
Neither ISPR statement reported casualties among the troops.
Frequently asked questions
How many terrorists were killed in the operations?
Security forces killed 74 terrorists in total: 43 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over 48 hours and 31 in Balochistan since November 3.
Where did the operations take place?
In KP, the operations were in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, and Orakzai. In Balochistan, the operation covered the Kurram area of Quetta district.
Who were the operations against?
The ISPR said the operations targeted Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan networks.
What was recovered?
A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives, including homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices, was recovered during sanitisation.
