ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed five militants linked to what Pakistan describes as the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Hindustan during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Washuk district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operation was carried out on the night of October 12-13, 2026, after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in the area.
Security personnel swiftly targeted and destroyed a militant hideout during the operation, the ISPR said. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the site.
The statement added that sanitisation operations were under way to search the area and eliminate any remaining militants allegedly sponsored by India.
The military reiterated its commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. It said security forces and law enforcement agencies would maintain efforts to eradicate terrorism backed by foreign elements.
Militant attacks surge across Pakistan
Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
September 2026 saw the highest monthly number of militant attacks in Pakistan in 12 years, according to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based independent think tank.
The data showed that 225 militant attacks were reported nationwide in September, up from 199 in August, marking a 13 per cent increase. The rise also represented the third consecutive month of growth in militant activity.
Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions persist
Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban authorities have not taken adequate measures against organisations accused of targeting Pakistani security personnel and civilians.
Despite several rounds of negotiations, the two neighbouring countries have been unable to bridge their differences. The alleged presence and activities of militant groups operating from Afghan territory remain a major source of tension between Islamabad and Kabul.
The post Five India-backed militants killed in Balochistan operation: ISPR appeared first on Karachi News.