Ten militants were killed in the CTD Barkhan operation on Saturday, after the Counter-Terrorism Department of Balochistan raided a hideout in the Rara Sham area of Barkhan district on an intelligence tip-off.
The CTD said the slain men were affiliates of “Fitna al-Hindustan”, the state’s term for Baloch separatist militants it accuses India of backing. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site.
Two CTD personnel were injured in the exchange of fire, officials said.
What happened in the CTD Barkhan operation
According to the department, the operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in Rara Sham. Security personnel moved into the area, and an exchange of fire followed.
Balochistan Home Affairs Adviser Babar Yousafzai said the bodies had been shifted to a hospital, where identification and other legal formalities were under way.
Weapons recovered, two personnel hurt
Officials said heavy weapons and ammunition were seized from the killed suspects. The CTD described the raid as a successful intelligence-based action, saying timely intervention had thwarted the group’s alleged plans.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended CTD Balochistan for the operation and praised the department’s professional capability in neutralising the 10 militants. He said all institutions were committed to establishing peace in Balochistan, expressed pride in the CTD personnel, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the two injured men.
Babar Yousafzai also paid tribute to the CTD personnel who took part in the Rara Sham action.
Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3
Security sources said the Barkhan raid was conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3, the continuing counter-terrorism campaign in the province. Police and CTD personnel were continuing their efforts against terrorism across Balochistan, the sources said, adding that the resolve of the security forces to eliminate terrorists, their patrons and facilitators was unwavering.
The operation is the latest in a string of recent actions in the country’s west. Earlier on Saturday, a wanted commander was killed in a Bannu operation, while security forces killed three militants in an intelligence-based operation in Mir Ali earlier this month. Bannu has seen repeated violence in recent weeks, including an episode in which 13 hostages were freed after elders negotiated with militants. A jirga in South Waziristan has demanded an end to quadcopter strikes and curfews amid the unrest.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the CTD Barkhan operation take place?
In the Rara Sham area of Barkhan district, Balochistan, on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The Counter-Terrorism Department acted on intelligence reports about the presence of militants in the area.
How many militants were killed?
Ten, according to the Counter-Terrorism Department of Balochistan. The department said they were killed during an intelligence-based operation.
Who were the slain militants?
The CTD described them as affiliates of “Fitna al-Hindustan”, the official term for Baloch separatist militants that Pakistan accuses India of backing. Their identities were being verified at a hospital, where the bodies were shifted for legal formalities.
Were any security personnel hurt?
Yes. Two CTD personnel were injured during the exchange of fire. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi prayed for their speedy recovery.
What is Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3?
It is the continuing counter-terrorism campaign in Balochistan under which security sources said Saturday’s Barkhan raid was conducted. Police and CTD personnel are continuing operations against militant networks across the province.
*Original reporting: Kashmir English*
