Security forces in Balochistan killed three more terrorists on Thursday, bringing the total number of militants eliminated during Operation Shaban to 91, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The joint operation, which involves the Pakistan Army, the Frontier Corps, and local police, has resulted in 129 total terrorist deaths across various intelligence-based missions in the province since July 5.
Origins of Operation Shaban
The military and police launched the operation following the deaths of 27 police personnel in the Mangi dam area. Terrorists killed nine officers at a police post before kidnapping 18 others, who were subsequently executed. Security sources told Radio Pakistan that the operation is intended to continue until the last terrorist in the region is eliminated.
Did You Know? The operation was launched following a specific, high-casualty incident at the Mangi dam area where 27 police personnel were killed, including 18 who were abducted before their deaths.
Security Trends in Balochistan
The current military push coincides with a sharp rise in regional violence. A monthly security assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported that Pakistan’s security situation deteriorated significantly in May after two months of relative improvement. Balochistan was identified as the most affected province, recording 71 terrorist attacks compared to 34 in April—a 109 percent increase.
The province also saw a surge in abductions, accounting for 52 of the 54 kidnappings reported nationwide during May. This data reflects what the institute describes as the growing operational reach and confidence of terrorist groups within the province.
Government and Military Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently convened a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Quetta. Alongside the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Asim Munir, the Prime Minister stated that the civil and military leadership had reached a “mutual and singular decision” to end terrorism collectively.
This leadership meeting followed a press conference by the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. The Director General alleged that India and Afghanistan were behind recent violence, specifically citing an armed attack on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5, a Ziarat police post assault on July 6, and a July 7 ambush of an army convoy in Bela.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current death toll for terrorists in Operation Shaban?
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, 91 terrorists have been killed specifically during Operation Shaban, with a total of 129 killed when including broader intelligence-based operations since July 5.
Which groups are participating in the security operations?
The joint operation involves troops from the Pakistan Army, the Frontier Corps (FC), and local police forces.
What triggered the launch of the current security operation?
The operation was initiated after 27 police personnel were killed at a police post in the Mangi dam area; nine were killed on-site and 18 were kidnapped and subsequently killed by terrorists.
How will the civilian and military leadership ensure their goal of ending terrorism is achieved in the coming months?
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