Quetta: Pakistan’s security forces have wrapped up a large-scale counterterrorism operation in Balochistan, killing 133 militants over two days, including three suicide bombers, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), coordinated attacks were carried out on January 31 across several districts including Quetta, Mastung, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Gwadar and Pasni. The assaults targeted civilian areas and critical infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of 18 civilians, among them women, children and labourers.
ISPR said security forces launched immediate clearance operations, neutralising 92 militants during direct engagements. This brought the total number of militants killed in the province over the past 48 hours to 133.
Fifteen soldiers were martyred during the clearance phase, the statement added.
The military said the attacks were orchestrated by militant leadership operating from outside Pakistan, with attackers maintaining real-time contact with external handlers. Search and sanitisation operations remain underway to trace planners and facilitators.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that the operation had concluded, saying security forces had responded decisively. He said the province would not compromise on peace and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Pakistan’s authorities say counterterrorism actions will continue as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and dismantle militant networks.
