Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department intensified its crackdown on militancy after successfully eliminating 14 terrorists in two separate operations in Quetta. According to officials, the intelligence driven actions were carried out in the Darakhshan and Barkhan areas, where security forces engaged suspected militants in heavy exchanges of fire.
In the first encounter in Darakhshan, CTD personnel confronted armed suspects during a targeted raid. The gun battle resulted in the death of several militants, while three CTD officials sustained injuries. Authorities confirmed that a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the scene. The slain individuals were reportedly linked to a banned militant organization involved in destabilizing activities across the province.
A second intelligence based operation in Barkhan led to the killing of six more terrorists. Officials stated that the suspects were allegedly planning subversive acts. Security forces seized explosive materials and firearms, further indicating the scale of the threat.
These developments come amid rising security concerns in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provinces that have experienced increased militant activity since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Recent attacks claimed by Fitna al Hindustan BLA have resulted in significant civilian and security personnel casualties, prompting large scale counter operations by Pakistani forces.
Meanwhile, in Dera Ismail Khan, militants targeted a Pakistan Customs office and a nearby police station close to York Interchange. During the attack, Customs official Israr Khan and police officer Muhammad Bilal were martyred in the line of duty. The attackers also set two customs vehicles ablaze and fired at civilians before fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a search operation in the area as part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and restore stability.
