Military says 216 terrorists killed as intelligence-based operations target Indian-sponsored networks
Pakistan’s security forces have successfully concluded “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan, carrying out a series of coordinated and intelligence-driven operations against what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the ISPR said the operations targeted terrorist groups seeking to disrupt peace and development by attacking innocent civilians, including women and children. The campaign involved swift and coordinated actions by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and intelligence services.
State media had reported on Tuesday that Pakistan’s security forces had killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna al-Hindustan group during ongoing counterterrorism operations in the province. According to official figures, 22 security personnel were martyred in these operations.
“On January 29 2026, operations were initiated in Panjgur and the outskirts of Harnai District after credible and verified intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorist elements posing an imminent threat to local public,” the ISPR said. “During this phase, Security Forces undertook operations against identified terrorist hideouts, resulting in the elimination of 41 terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy networks.”
The military said security forces later repelled what it described as desperate attacks by Fitna al-Hindustan – a term the military uses for the Balochistan terrorist outfits – aimed at destabilising Balochistan. “Subsequently, aggressive and steadfast responses by the brave security forces effectively thwarted the desperate attacks of Fitna al Hindustan to destabilise the peace of Balochistan,” the statement said.
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It added that a broader series of intelligence-based operations was then launched across multiple areas to dismantle terrorist sleeper cells through sustained combing and sanitisation efforts.
“Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence, and seamless joint execution, Pakistan’s Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies with support of Intelligence Agencies under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 responded with precision and resolve,” the ISPR said. “As a result of these well-coordinated engagements and subsequent clearance operations, 216 terrorists have been sent to hell, significantly degrading the leadership, command-and-control structures and operational capabilities of terrorist networks.”
The military said a large cache of foreign-origin weapons, ammunition, explosives and equipment was recovered during the operations. Preliminary analysis, it said, pointed to systematic external facilitation and logistical support for the terrorist groups.
Read more: 197 terrorists killed, 22 security personnel martyred in Balochistan operations so far: state media
According to the ISPR, 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed during the operations, while 22 personnel from the security forces and law enforcement agencies “made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and the protection of its citizens.”
“Their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment reflect the highest traditions of service. The Nation honours their sacrifice and stands in solidarity with the families of all martyrs,” the statement said.
The Pakistan Armed Forces reiterated their resolve to continue counterterrorism operations under the government’s National Action Plan, saying efforts would continue “with full determination until the complete elimination of terrorist threats.”
“Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 stands as a testament to Pakistan’s and particularly Balochistan’s proud peoples’ unwavering commitment to always prefer peace over violence, unity over division and development over violence,” the ISPR added.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces and law enforcement agencies on the successful completion of Operation Radd-ul-Fitan-1 in Balochistan, in a statement released by the Presidency.
The president said the timely action by security forces had foiled “a malicious attempt to sabotage peace in Balochistan by Fitna-e-Hindustan”.
“The complete elimination of terrorism backed by external support remains our top priority,” President Zardari said. He added that he was encouraged by the success of coordinated, intelligence-based operations, which he said had “broken the leadership and operational capacity of terrorist networks operating with external backing”.
“The nation salutes the sacrifices of its martyrs and remains united in the fight against terrorism,” President Zardari added.
