DID Press: Pakistani state media say the number of militants killed in the military’s ongoing Operation Shaban in Balochistan has risen to 102 after security forces killed 23 more suspected fighters. Islamabad says the campaign will continue until the “last terrorist” is eliminated.
According to Radio Pakistan, security forces killed 12 members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in one operation, while two additional suspected militants were killed in a separate operation in Balochistan.
Security officials said weapons, hand grenades, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a banned group’s flag, and other military equipment were recovered from the deceased.
Operation Shaban was launched following a wave of deadly attacks against security forces in Balochistan and has become one of Pakistan’s largest counterterrorism campaigns in the province. State television reported that the army, border forces, and police have intensified coordinated ground and air operations against militant hideouts.
Pakistani security officials reiterated that the operation will continue until the “last terrorist” has been eliminated.
The joint operation began on July 5 in the Shaban area of Quetta after armed assailants attacked a police checkpoint. Nine police officers, including two station commanders, were killed in the assault, while 18 other officers were reportedly abducted and later killed in the mountainous Zarghun Ghar area.
A military spokesperson said that at least 42 people—including four civilians, 27 police officers, and 11 security personnel—have been killed since the violence began.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the military, border forces, and police, saying they had “foiled the enemy’s plans” and warning that “enemies of peace will no longer have safe havens.”
The continuation of Operation Shaban underscores Islamabad’s efforts to contain rising insecurity in Balochistan, where attacks by armed groups against security forces have intensified in recent months.