ISLAMABAD / QUETTA — Security forces killed four more terrorists during an intelligence-based clearance operation in the Khad Kocha area of Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday. According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the slain militants were affiliated with Fitna-al-Hindustan, the official designation for Balochistan-based insurgent groups receiving foreign backing, including support from India.
During the clash, troops recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the militant hideout. Several suspected facilitators were also taken into custody, while search and surveillance operations continue in the area to eliminate remaining threats.
🚨 Breaking News
Major operation of security forces in Mastung
In Khad Kocha area of Mastung district of Balochistan, security forces took timely and effective action based on intelligence information and tightened the siege against terrorist elements. During the operation, 6… pic.twitter.com/XSyJoF6k02— Behram Khan (@behram_91khan) July 23, 2026
Escalating Operations & Security Measures
The latest action follows an intensive multi-day security sweep in the Khad Kocha corridor aimed at dismantling active insurgent networks.
- Initial Action: On Thursday, security forces neutralized six terrorists in the same area and apprehended key suspects, including female suicide bombers and their handlers, while destroying multiple operational hideouts.
- Curfew Enforcement: The Balochistan Home Department imposed an indefinite curfew in Khad Kocha on Wednesday night after a series of violent incidents, including a gun attack on a passenger bus that killed three people and an explosive assault that damaged a key bridge on the National Highway.
- Wider Sweep: In a 48-hour period earlier this week, joint operations across Mastung and Surab districts resulted in 10 militants killed and two prospective female suicide bombers intercepted along with their facilitator.
Operation Shaban
The operations in Mastung are part of Operation Shaban, a major civil-military counter-terrorism campaign launched in early July. The provincial offensive began after a deadly July 6 attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat, where 27 police officers were abducted and killed.
The intensified response reflects a firm decision by top leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir recently reiterated a unified state resolve during a Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta to root out foreign-sponsored terrorism from the province.
