Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1, Security Forces Neutralize 216 Terrorists in Balochistan : ISPR

RAWALPINDI — The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the successful conclusion of “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1.” The intelligence-driven campaign resulted in the elimination of 216 terrorists across Balochistan, significantly dismantling the command structure of networks the military has designated as “Fitna-al-Hindustan.”

The operation was a direct response to a coordinated wave of violence on January 31, where militants targeted 12 different locations, including Quetta, Gwadar, and Mastung.

Operation Breakdown: January 29 – February 5

The military described the operation as a series of swift, precision strikes and subsequent “mop-up” clearance actions.

• Phase 1 (Jan 29-30): Initial intelligence-based operations in Panjgur and Harnai killed 41 terrorists who were preparing imminent attacks.
• Phase 2 (Jan 31 – Feb 3): Following a major insurgent offensive (Operation Herof 2.0 by the BLA), security forces launched a broader counter-offensive. Intense clashes in Nushki, Mastung, and Gwadar resulted in the bulk of the casualties among the “Fitna-al-Hindustan” ranks.
• Final Toll: * Terrorists Killed: 216
  • Martyred Civilians: 36 (including women and children)
  • Martyred Personnel: 22 (Security forces and LEAs)

Defining “Fitna-al-Hindustan”

The state has formally adopted the term “Fitna-al-Hindustan” to describe Baloch separatist groups, specifically the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

• The Allegation: Officials claim “preliminary analysis” of recovered foreign-origin weapons and equipment indicates systematic logistical support and facilitation from India—a charge New Delhi rejected earlier this week as an attempt to divert attention from internal issues.
• The Designation: This mirrors the designation of the TTP as “Fitna-al-Khawarij,” aiming to delegitimize the groups’ ideological and political claims by framing them as anti-state proxies.

Impact on the Province

While the military has declared the primary operation concluded, the province is still reeling from the week-long disruption:

• Infrastructure: Train services were halted, and key highways were blocked during the peak of the skirmishes.
• Communication: Mobile internet services remained suspended in several districts for five consecutive days to prevent militant coordination, only beginning to restore on Wednesday evening.
• Recovery: A substantial cache of foreign ammunition and explosives was seized from sleeper cells during “sanitization” operations.

Leadership Reactions

“Eradication of foreign-backed terrorism is our top priority. These coordinated operations have crippled the capacity of terrorist networks.” — President Asif Ali Zardari

“The backbone of the enemies of peace has been broken. The war will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.” — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

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