In a series of coordinated operations, the military dismantled a terrorist formation in Chagai and destroyed militant infrastructure in Bajaur, recovering a cache of weapons and explosives.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces eliminated six terrorists belonging to the Fitna al-Hindustan group in the Dalbandin area of Chagai district, Balochistan, on Wednesday, according to security officials.
The operation was launched following the successful tracking of the terrorist formation’s hideout in mountainous terrain through aerial surveillance. Officials described the action as a “timely and precise” intervention that led to the complete dismantlement of the cell, thereby mitigating threats to both security personnel and civilians.
In a separate, simultaneous operation in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, forces targeted infrastructure belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij. An intelligence-based operation in the Shahi Tangi forest resulted in an intense firefight, leading to the death of one terrorist. Several others are reported to have fled the scene with injuries.
During the clearance operation, security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, explosive materials, and communication equipment from the destroyed hideouts and tunnel networks.
Background: Rising Cross-Border Tensions
Pakistan has experienced a sharp increase in cross-border terrorist incidents, particularly in its bordering provinces, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. These events have significantly strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
Tensions escalated further earlier this month when Pakistani military posts came under attack from Afghan Taliban forces and affiliated militant groups on October 12. Pakistan responded with retaliatory strikes, which it stated resulted in over 200 militant casualties. The clashes also led to the martyrdom of 23 Pakistani soldiers.
Following these events, the two nations have agreed to a ceasefire. Official delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Türkiye, on October 25 to engage in further discussions on these pressing security issues.
