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Pakistan says 14 militants killed in Balochistan operation

ISLAMABAD— Pakistani security forces killed 14 suspected militants during an intelligence-based operation in the southwestern province of Balochistan after receiving reports of a planned attack on a police station and banks, the military said on Tuesday.

According to the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence reports indicated that militants belonging to what Pakistan describes as the Indian-backed group "Fitna al Hindustan" were present in the Naal area of Basima district and were preparing attacks on security and civilian targets.

Security forces launched a swift operation to thwart the alleged plot and engaged the militants after detecting their movement in the area.

"After an intense exchange of fire, 14 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed, while several others were injured," the ISPR said.

The military added that four vehicles used by the militants were destroyed during the operation, along with improvised explosive devices found at the site.

One Pakistani soldier, Lance Havildar Muhammad Abbass, was killed during the firefight. The military said he fought "gallantly" before losing his life.

Security forces have launched follow-up clearance operations in the area to locate any remaining militants, the statement said.

Pakistan's military reiterated its commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations under the nationwide "Azm-e-Istehkam" campaign, aimed at eliminating militant threats and strengthening internal security.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populated province, has long faced an insurgency as Pakistani authorities have repeatedly alleged that some militant groups operating in the province receive foreign support, including from India, a claim New Delhi rejects. The province has witnessed frequent attacks targeting security forces, civilians, government installations and infrastructure projects in recent years.