At least six terrorists from the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army ( BLA ) were killed during a successful joint operation by security forces in Balochistan’s Harnai district, according to security sources. The operation, conducted on September 12 based on secret intelligence, targeted BLA hideouts in the northeastern part of the province.
The eliminated terrorists were identified as Shafu Samalani alias Tadin, Sarmad Khan alias Dasteen, Muhammad Gul Mari alias Wahid Baloch, Ghulam Qadir Mari alias Anjir Baloch, Ubaid Baloch alias Fida, and Taj Muhammad alias Babul. These individuals were reportedly involved in direct attacks on security forces and civilians, security sources confirmed.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces for their bravery and timely intelligence-based action, stating, “The security forces once again carried out a successful operation and sent six terrorists to hell.” He added that the nation is proud of the forces’ professional skills and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country.
“Terrorists and their facilitators are a burden on the earth, and with the nation’s support, we will wipe them out,” Naqvi said, emphasizing the resolve to restore peace in Balochistan.
This security development comes as Pakistan grapples with a surge in terror-related incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), there was a 90% spike in violence during the third quarter of 2024, with total fatalities surpassing those recorded in all of 2023. The report noted 722 deaths and 615 injuries across 328 incidents, with nearly 97% of the fatalities occurring in KP and Balochistan.
Despite the rise in terror activity, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) documented a 7% reduction in militant attacks and a 56% drop in fatalities in September 2024. During this period, 77 militant attacks resulted in 77 deaths, including those of 38 security personnel, 23 civilians, and 16 militants, with 132 others wounded.
