Security Forces Kill 10 Militants, Arrest Two Suspected Female Suicide Bombers in Balochistan
ES Mag:
Pakistan’s security forces have killed 10 suspected militants and arrested two women alleged to have been preparing suicide attacks, along with a suspected facilitator, during a series of operations in Balochistan, the military said.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted over the past 48 hours in the districts of Surab and Mastung as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The military said seven suspected militants were killed in Surab, while three others were killed in Mastung. It added that two women described as suspected suicide bombers and an alleged facilitator were apprehended during the operation in Mastung.
According to the ISPR, the operations were intelligence-based and formed part of a broader campaign to dismantle militant networks operating in the province. The military said weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered during the raids.
The statement said follow-up search operations were continuing to locate any remaining suspects and ensure the affected areas were cleared.
Pakistan officially refers to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna-al-Khawarij”, while authorities use the term “Fitna-al-Hindustan” for certain Balochistan-based militant groups, alleging they receive external support. India has consistently rejected allegations that it supports militant activity inside Pakistan.
The latest operations come as Balochistan continues to face persistent security challenges. Earlier this month, security forces and law enforcement agencies launched Operation Shaban following a deadly attack on a police post near the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat, where authorities said 27 police personnel were abducted and killed.
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership has repeatedly pledged to intensify counterterrorism operations following a series of attacks in the province. During a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee in Quetta earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government had taken a unified decision to eliminate terrorism, while military officials have linked recent attacks to external support—an allegation rejected by neighbouring countries.
Independent security analysts note that Balochistan has witnessed a rise in militant violence over the past year, with attacks targeting security forces, infrastructure and civilians.
A recent assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a significant increase in militant violence in Balochistan, with the province recording more attacks than any other region during the reporting period. The report also highlighted a rise in kidnappings and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Security officials say operations will continue under the government’s Azm-i-Istehkam counterterrorism strategy, which aims to dismantle militant networks, strengthen intelligence-led operations and improve coordination among security agencies.
The security situation in Balochistan remains complex, with the province facing multiple insurgent and militant threats alongside broader political, economic and security challenges. Authorities say intelligence-based operations will continue as part of efforts to improve stability and protect civilians.
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