Pakistan Says 35 Terrorists Killed, 3 Commanders Captured in Balochistan Operation

Pakistani security forces have killed 35 militants and captured three senior commanders during an ongoing intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Mangla Zarghoon Ghar region, authorities said on Sunday.

The operation began on May 13 in the mountainous area near Quetta and targeted the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated militant groups, according to Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind. He said the operation was launched using intelligence obtained from previously detained militants.

Rind said security forces destroyed several militant hideouts and training camps during the multi-day operation. Authorities described the arrested men as high-profile commanders linked to militant planning and logistical networks operating in the province.

Officials said information recovered from the detained commanders is now being used for additional intelligence-based raids aimed at identifying facilitators, handlers, and financial supporters connected to militant groups in Balochistan.

Pakistani authorities also referred to the militants as belonging to “ Fitna Al-Hindustan ,” a term used by the government and military for Baloch separatist groups allegedly backed by India. India has repeatedly denied such allegations.

The Pakistan military has not yet released a formal statement on the latest operation. The development comes days after five Pakistani soldiers, including a major , were killed during a separate clean-up operation in Balochistan’s Barkhan district. The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said seven militants were also killed in that encounter.

Separately, officials said security forces foiled an attempted militant attack on a police station in Dalbandin near the Iran border, where attackers allegedly tried to establish checkpoints before being repelled.

Balochistan has witnessed a rise in insurgent violence in recent months, with groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carrying out attacks on security personnel, infrastructure, and government installations.