Security forces have revealed fresh details after a major counter-terror operation in Chagai district, Balochistan, in which two militants were killed and a third surrendered to authorities, officials said.
The captured fighter, identified in his confession as Jahanzeb Ali, who used the nom de guerre “Ali Jan”, surrendered alive after forces surrounded the hideout during operations on the night of September 23–24, security sources said. The two militants killed during the raid have been linked to a previous incident in which two Pakistan Air Force personnel were reportedly killed in Chagai, and investigators say the group planned further attacks on key provincial installations.
In his recorded statement, Jahanzeb told investigators he had been operating with a militant identified as Zubair Ahmed for the past two years. According to Jahanzeb, Zubair was responsible for planning sabotage operations inside the group. During the security cordon, Jahanzeb said fellow fighters Nisar and Zubair opened fire on security personnel; Zubair reportedly shot himself allegedly to avoid capture while Nisar was killed in the exchange. Jahanzeb said he laid down his weapon and was taken into custody alive.
Jahanzeb’s confession, as summarised by security officials, included allegations that the group intended to strike important Balochistan installations and that its operatives had previously carried out lethal attacks in the district. He told investigators that, following the deaths of his close associates, he recognised that violence was not the solution and surrendered.
The detainee also accused local activist groups of playing a misleading role in radicalising youth. He specifically named student and community organisations referred to in his statement as the Baloch Students Organisation and the Baloch Unity Committee, saying such groups had contributed to recruiting young people into militancy. Security analysts quoted by officials echoed concerns that militant elements exploit social networks and front organisations to lure vulnerable recruits.
Defence and security sources told reporters that the arrested militant belongs to a faction linked to the group commonly described by authorities as Fitna al-Hindustan, which they say has been involved in destabilising activity in parts of Balochistan. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to verify Jahanzeb’s claims, establish the full network of facilitators, and determine any external links or support channels.
Local law-enforcement and military units are continuing follow-up operations and intelligence-gathering in the area to dismantle remaining cells and secure sensitive sites. No further casualties among security forces have been reported in subsequent operations, officials added.
The development is the latest in a series of counter-terror operations in Balochistan as security agencies intensify efforts to disrupt militant infrastructure and prevent attacks on civilians and state installations. Authorities have said they will proceed with prosecutions based on evidence gathered during the operation and Jahanzeb’s recorded statements, while working to corroborate his allegations through independent inquiry.
