Pakistan Army Soldier Martyred, 15 Terrorists Killed in Balochistan Operation

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, a Pakistan Army soldier was martyred and 15 terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Sambaza area of Balochistan’s Zhob district, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced on Tuesday.

The operation, conducted on December 10, involved intense firefights between security forces and militants. According to the ISPR, the troops effectively neutralized the terrorists’ position and recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

Among the casualties was Sepoy Arif ur Rehman, a 32-year-old resident of Mansehra District, who embraced martyrdom after displaying exceptional bravery during the operation.

A sanitization operation is currently underway in the area to eliminate any remaining threats, the ISPR added. “The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain resolute in their commitment to eradicating terrorism, and the sacrifices of our soldiers continue to strengthen our resolve,” the statement emphasized.

Rising Terrorist Violence in 2024

The operation comes amid a sharp rise in terrorist violence in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. According to a report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), fatalities from terrorist violence and counter-terrorism efforts surged by 90% in the third quarter (July–September) of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

The report documented 722 fatalities and 615 injuries across 328 incidents during the quarter. Nearly 97% of these fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan, marking the highest regional share in a decade. Total fatalities for the first three quarters of 2024 have surpassed those for the entire year of 2023, with at least 1,534 deaths recorded so far.

The resurgence of terrorist activities is accompanied by increased regrouping efforts by insurgent factions. However, most terror attacks remain unclaimed, likely as a strategic move to obscure the identities and strategies of these groups, the CRSS report noted.

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s security forces in combating terrorism and maintaining stability in the region.