QUETTA (MNN); Pakistan’s security forces have intensified Operation Shaban across Balochistan, with the total number of militants killed in counter-terrorism operations since July 5 reaching 102, according to security sources.
The operation was launched following the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station in Ziarat and is being conducted jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police.
Security sources said 16 militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during the latest phase of the operation. In the most recent coordinated air and ground action, security forces eliminated nine militants, raising the number of militants killed under Operation Shaban to 64.
Officials said coordinated intelligence-based operations and targeted strikes are continuing across the province to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore peace. They added that the overall number of militants killed in various security operations in Balochistan has now reached 102.
Despite the progress made during the operation, recent terrorist attacks in the province claimed the lives of 42 people, including security personnel and civilians.
Security officials reaffirmed that Operation Shaban will continue until all terrorist elements operating in Balochistan are eliminated.
In a separate operation near the N-25 Highway, security forces killed two militants and recovered weapons, hand grenades, motorcycles and mobile phones from their possession.
Earlier this week, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said terrorists attacked the Mangi Dam police checkpoint, where police personnel put up strong resistance and killed 15 militants during the initial engagement.
The military spokesperson said nine police personnel embraced martyrdom in the initial assault, while several others were taken hostage before security forces reached the area.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021. In response, the country launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting what authorities describe as terrorist hideouts across the border.
According to Pakistani officials, the operation inflicted heavy losses on militant groups and disrupted several terrorist networks.
Border tensions also escalated in October 2025, when Pakistani authorities said attacks by Afghan Taliban and allied militants on border posts triggered fierce clashes, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom defending the country’s frontiers.
Officials maintain that despite several rounds of diplomatic engagement, the lack of effective action against militant groups has remained a major obstacle to improving bilateral security cooperation.
