Security forces kill 5 terrorists, recover 23 abductees in operation along N-25 highway near Balochistan's Kalat: ISPR

Security forces kill 5 terrorists, recover 23 abductees in operation along N-25 highway near Balochistan's Kalat: ISPR.

Key points

• News Desk Published September 20, 2026 Updated September 20, 2026 07: 16am.
• Another 36 terrorists were eliminated during multiple "high-tempo" operations conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations remarked on September 4.
• The killing of 11 more terrorists by security forces in Panjgur and Chagai districts under Operation Raddul Fitna 3 was documented on Saturday.
• As approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve, The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of ' Azm-I-Istehkam '.
• The state has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India's alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation throughout Pakistan.

News Desk Published September 20, 2026 Updated September 20, 2026 07: 16am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

Security forces have killed five terrorists and recovered 23 kidnapped individuals from their hideout during an operation along the N-25 Karachi-Chaman highway near Balochistan's Kalat, the military's media affairs wing remarked on Sunday.

In an official note, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) remarked that terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan tried to disrupt people's movement by establishing a checkpost for abduction for ransom, extortion and snatching of vehicles along the N-25 highway, additionally knows as the Pakistan Expressway, on the night between Sept 18 and Sept 19.

"Security forces responded immediately and after intense fire exchange, five terrorists belonging to India- proxy of Fitna-al-Hindustan were sent to hell, " the statement remarked.

Meanwhile, the state has designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India's alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation throughout Pakistan.

According to the ISPR, 23 abductees were recovered from the terrorists' hideout near Kalat. As well as substantial quantities of weapons, ammunition and explosives, the statement noted, six trucks, three buses and two cars were additionally recovered.

"Successful operations by the security forces resulted in thwarting the nefarious designs of India- proxy of Fitna-al-Hindustan, " it continued.

Meanwhile, the ISPR remarked sanitisation operations were ongoing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population and national highways.

As approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve, "The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of ' Azm-I-Istehkam '. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign- and foreign-supported terrorism from the country, " the statement concluded.

Balochistan has been facing security challenges and terrorism. It has prompted security forces to intensify counter-terrorism operations.

For context, the number of terrorist attacks in the province rose by seven per cent from 83 in July to 89 in August, according to a monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

For context, the ISPR and the state media has documented a number of actions in the province over recent weeks.

On the night of Aug 31-Sept 1, terrorists of the banned Tehreek-I-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) introduced a coordinated attack on the Customs House, located at Ziarat Cross on the N-50 National Highway, in the Pishin district.

In retaliatory action, security forces killed 10 terrorists while two officers were among six martyred in the fire exchange, the military's media affairs wing remarked.

Additionally on August 31, 11 terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan. This person had blocked the N-40 Quetta-Taftan highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion in Chagai's Nokcha area, were killed after an intense exchange of fire.

On September 2, security forces killed 12 terrorists in the Kalat district during an intelligence-based operation (IBO). Days afterwards, the troops killed 11 terrorists and recovered 2.9 tonnes of explosives during separate IBOs in Kharan and Washuk districts.

Another 36 terrorists were eliminated during multiple "high-tempo" operations conducted in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations remarked on September 4. These additionally included thwarting an attack on a police station in Sibi's Bhag area.

While seven terrorists were killed during two IBOs in the province's Panjgur and Kachhi districts on Friday, the state media documented, on Thursday, seven terrorists were killed by security forces in an IBO in the Badrang area of Balochistan's Awaran district.

Meanwhile, the killing of 11 more terrorists by security forces in Panjgur and Chagai districts under Operation Raddul Fitna 3 was documented on Saturday.

Taken together, the developments around security forces kill 5 terrorists, recover 23 abductees in operation along N-25 point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.