Five India-backed terrorists killed, several injured in Panjgur IBO: security sources

• IBO conducted in Balochistan’s Panjgur district.
• Large quantity of weapons recovered from militants.
• Militants were en route to execute terrorist attack: sources.

Security forces have killed at least five India-sponsored terrorists and injured several others during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, said security sources on Thursday.

According to security sources, motorcycle-borne militants were en route to execute a terrorist attack, but forces targeted them by using advanced weapons in Kali Suran area of Panjgur.

Security forces said a significant cache of advanced weapons and ammunition, three vehicles, two motorcycles, an IED device and a flag of a banned organisation were recovered from the possession of terrorists.

The group was involved in target killings, kidnappings, armed robberies, and planning suicide attacks.

Earlier, on August 18, security forces had killed more than nine terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in parts of Balochistan’s Ziarat, Harnai, and Surab districts under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its KP and Balochistan provinces, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban came into power.

According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP emerging as the worst-affected region.

The report stated that KP and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. Of the total deaths, more than 61% (475) were reported in KP, while Balochistan accounted for 34% (265).

KP also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing 57% of the nationwide total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, or 35%, underscoring the concentration of militant activity in the two provinces.