Pakistan Security Forces Report Killing 33 Militants in Balochistan Operations

Pakistani security forces said they killed 33 fighters during a series of counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan conducted since September 21, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

The report described the fighters as belonging to groups referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, which Pakistani officials characterized as Indian-sponsored. This characterization reflects the Pakistani government's own description and has not been independently verified in the report; India has in the past rejected similar allegations linking it to militant activity in Balochistan.

Operation details limited

APP's report did not specify the exact locations of the operations, the security forces' own casualties if any, or further operational details beyond the overall total of 33 fighters reported killed.

Balochistan has long experienced a separatist insurgency alongside other militant activity, and Pakistani security forces have periodically announced operations against armed groups in the province. The report does not include comment from the named groups or independent verification of the death toll.

No additional information on the duration or scope of ongoing operations was included in the available report.