Pakistani special forces and local paramilitary units, on Friday, carried out a major clearance operation in the Zehri, a town and tehhsil of Khuzdar district, Balochistan, killing 13 militants and dismantling what authorities described as key safe havens of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF).
According to security sources, the operation; led jointly by the Special Services Group (SSG), Frontier Corps (FC) and Levies, followed a prolonged intelligence cycle. The arrest of a suspected facilitator, identified as Usman Qazi, reportedly provided critical leads that helped map the militants’ networks and locations. Forces used drone surveillance, modern targeting methods and local intelligence to carry out coordinated raids across a roughly 13‑kilometre area, searching riverbanks, mountain passes and hideouts.
“The operation was decisive,” a senior official told reporters. “By morning, militants’ command-and-control sites had been destroyed and numerous cache points recovered.” Troops found multiple dead militants at several cleared positions, the official added.
Security forces said one soldier was martyred and two others were wounded during the operation. Authorities have collected evidence and are continuing on-site searches to secure the area fully and arrest any remaining suspects.
The military statement described the operation as striking at the “roots” of BLA and BLF networks that for years have threatened stability in parts of Balochistan. Officials said the action restored the writ of the state in areas where militant activity had previously been concentrated.
In public statements following the raids, Pakistani authorities reiterated long-standing accusations that some militant networks in Balochistan have received external support. Islamabad has previously alleged that elements in foreign intelligence services provided funding, training and material assistance to separatist groups; those claims were reiterated by local officials after the Zehri operation. Internationally, Pakistani officials have raised concerns about cross-border sanctuaries and external backing for insurgents at forums including the United Nations General Assembly.
Security analysts noted the Zehri operation demonstrates growing coordination among Pakistan’s intelligence assets and elite units, and reflects an intensified push to deny militants safe havens. Officials said follow-up intelligence and law‑enforcement actions will continue to prevent regrouping.
Residents described a tense night during the raids but welcomed the operation as a step toward restored security. Humanitarian and civil authorities were reported to be assessing local needs as stabilization and clearing operations proceed.
The military has pledged to pursue remaining elements and to deliver those responsible for violence in the province to justice, while underscoring efforts to protect civilians and prevent further militant reprisals.
