Security forces killed ten more militants during a sanitization operation in Zhob district of Balochistan on 25 February 2026, a day after eight militants were neutralized in an intelligence-based operation in the same area.
According to official sources, the follow up action was launched to track down militants described as belonging to “Fitna al-Khwarij,” alleged to be operating as proxies of India. The initial operation on 24 February had resulted in the killing of eight suspected militants.
During the latest phase, security forces conducted a comprehensive sweep across multiple routes in Zhob district. Troops tracked and engaged militant hideouts at different locations. After an exchange of fire, ten more suspected militants were killed, officials said.
Weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the sites. Authorities stated that the militants had been involved in a series of terrorist activities in the region, though specific incidents were not detailed.
Zhob district, located in Balochistan, has witnessed periodic counterterrorism operations amid concerns over cross border militant networks and proxy activity.
Officials said sanitization efforts are continuing to ensure that no remaining fighters are able to regroup. The operations are being conducted under the broader counterterror framework of “Azm e Istehkam,” approved by Pakistan’s Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies reiterated that operations against foreign sponsored militancy would continue at full pace to dismantle armed networks operating inside the country.
