19 terrorists, 11 security personnel martyred in Balochistan operation

QUETTA: At least 19 terrorists were killed and 11 security personnel lost their lives in an intelligence-based operation against Fitna al-Hindustan militants along the N-25 highway in Balochistan, according to security sources.

Security sources said the operation was conducted in the area between Jhao Cross and Kararo. They said the militants had been extorting money from passengers and local residents in the area.

According to the same sources, the operation was part of efforts to protect public life and property as well as ensure the security of highways in the province. They said attempts to disrupt peace in Balochistan would be met with a response.

Attack on Ziarat police post

The operation took place a day after armed assailants attacked a police checkpoint in Balochistan’s Ziarat district late on Monday, killing nine police personnel and abducting five others, according to police.

Ziarat Superintendent of Police Abdul Qudoos said the attackers stormed the police post in the Mangi area late on Monday, leading to a gun battle in which nine police personnel were martyred. He said the assailants also took five police officials with them after overrunning the post.

Militancy trend and cross-border tensions

Pakistan has seen a marked increase in militant violence since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan described as the provinces most affected.

In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting what Pakistani authorities described as terrorist hideouts across the border. According to the authorities, the operation killed scores of Afghan Taliban operatives and allied militants and injured hundreds more.

Tensions along the border increased further in October 2025 after the Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants carried out what Pakistan described as unprovoked attacks on its border posts. Despite several rounds of talks, Islamabad and Kabul have not reached an understanding, with Pakistan maintaining that the Afghan Taliban authorities have failed to take effective action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.