By Safina Khan
At least 18 terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan have been killed following a series of incidents in Surab district of Balochistan, according to security officials.
The incident took place on the morning of 12 August 2026, when a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), which was reportedly being prepared by the terrorists, detonated prematurely. The blast killed eight terrorists and injured several others.
The explosion, followed by the detonation of additional explosives reportedly stored at the site, also resulted in the deaths of three civilians in the vicinity, according to the security authorities.
Following the incident, security forces and Balochistan Police immediately reached the area and launched a joint clearance operation to track down the terrorists and their facilitators.
During the operation, security forces detected the movement of fleeing terrorists and engaged them. Ten more terrorists were subsequently killed, bringing the reported total number of terrorists eliminated in the incidents to 18.
Two soldiers were also injured during an intense exchange of fire.
Security forces and law-enforcement agencies are continuing sanitisation operations in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining militants.
According to the security authorities, the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign is being conducted under Azm e Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, with the stated objective of eliminating foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from Pakistan.
