According to the CTD spokesperson, an operation in the Darakhshan area of Quetta led to an exchange of fire in which several suspects were shot dead. Three CTD personnel sustained injuries during the action. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the deceased militants, who were said to be linked to a banned organisation.
In another intelligence-based operation in Barkhan, CTD officials killed six militants in a separate gun battle. Arms and explosive material were seized from the suspects, who were allegedly involved in subversive activities.
The operations took place a day after 12 militants belonging to what officials described as an India-backed proxy group were killed, while 11 security personnel were martyred in a terrorist attack in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan, have witnessed a surge in militant violence since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Earlier this month, the India-backed group Fitna al-Hindustan — Balochistan Liberation Army carried out coordinated attacks in various parts of Balochistan. According to the ISPR, the assaults resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians, including women, and 22 security personnel.
In response, security forces launched Operation Raddul Fitna 1, killing at least 216 militants in a series of coordinated engagements and clearance operations.
Separately, militants attacked a Pakistan customs office and a police station near York Interchange in Dera Ismail Khan, a police spokesperson said.
Customs official Israr Khan and police officer Muhammad Bilal were martyred during the exchange of fire. The attackers also torched two customs vehicles and opened fire on passengers. Police responded to the assault, after which the assailants fled the scene. A search operation is ongoing.
