Pakistani forces conduct intelligence-led raid in Balochistan’s Turbat Three militants killed

At least three militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) by Pakistani security forces in the Turbat area of Balochistan, the military's media wing said on April 29.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched following reports of terrorist presence in the region, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij (radical sect) location, as a result of which, three khawarij were sent to hell,” the statement said, using a term often employed by the military for insurgents.

Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the site. The ISPR added that the militants were allegedly involved in multiple attacks targeting both security forces and civilians.

A follow-up clearance operation was carried out to eliminate any remaining threat in the area. The Pakistani military reiterated its commitment to eradicating terrorism nationwide.

The incident comes amid a sharp rise in militant violence across the country. According to figures released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), January 2025 saw a 42% increase in terrorist incidents compared to December 2024.

PICSS documented at least 74 attacks in January, which resulted in 91 fatalities — including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals were injured.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, 27 attacks left 19 dead, while the tribal districts — formerly known as FATA — witnessed 19 attacks that claimed 46 lives.

Balochistan recorded 24 attacks, resulting in 26 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.

By Aghakazim Guliyev