Security forces killed seven militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Sherani district, the military’s media affairs wing announced on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted on October 1 after reports of terrorist presence in the area. The militants were described as members of “Fitna al Khawarij,” a term the state uses for the TTP, and were said to be backed by India.
“During the conduct of the operation, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location. After an intense fire exchange, seven Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR statement said. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the site, while a sanitisation operation was ongoing to clear the area of remaining threats.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the armed forces, praising their “courage and professionalism” in protecting citizens and safeguarding public property. “Those who attacked unarmed and law-abiding citizens have been decisively defeated,” he said, vowing that the government and security forces will continue their efforts to uproot terrorist networks.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also lauded the operation, stating that the “failure of Pakistan-hostile networks and Indian proxies in Sherani is the result of the great sacrifices and splendid capabilities of our brave security forces.”
Pakistan has faced a surge in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, targeting security personnel and police. Analysts note that attacks have escalated since the TTP ended its ceasefire with Islamabad in 2022.
Two security think tanks, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), recently reported that militant violence in the first nine months of 2025 nearly matched the levels seen in all of 2024.