Quetta (The COW News Digital) Security forces killed four militants during intelligence-based and clearance operations in Balochistan’s Kalat and Gwadar districts, while Pakistan Army Major Wajahat Waheed embraced martyrdom after an improvised explosive device (IED) struck security personnel, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a statement, the military’s media wing said an intelligence-based operation was conducted on October 18 in Jatki Abad, an area of Kalat district, targeting members of what it described as Fitna al-Hindustan.
According to the ISPR, four militants were killed during the operation. Security personnel also recovered a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition from the area.
The statement said security forces subsequently launched clearance operations in the Shadi Kaur area of Gwadar district to eliminate militant threats and secure the surrounding region.
During the clearance operation, an explosives-laden improvised explosive device targeted a security forces contingent, resulting in the death of Major Wajahat Waheed.
The ISPR said Major Waheed was 34 years old and belonged to Lahore. His death came during operations aimed at clearing the area of suspected militants and preventing further attacks on security personnel.
The military’s media wing said security forces effectively targeted militant hideouts and that clearance operations would continue to eliminate other suspected militants operating in the region.
The operations form part of Pakistan’s broader counterterrorism campaign in Balochistan, a province that has experienced repeated attacks on security personnel, government installations and civilians.
The ISPR reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to continuing counterterrorism efforts under the government’s counterterrorism framework, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
The military also said security forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to combating terrorism that it described as being supported by external elements.
Balochistan holds strategic importance because of its geographic location, mineral resources, major infrastructure projects and coastal access to the Arabian Sea. Security operations in the province have remained a priority for Pakistani authorities amid continuing concerns about militant activity.
The latest incidents highlight the risks faced by security personnel conducting intelligence-based operations and clearance missions in areas where improvised explosive devices pose a significant threat.
Authorities have said that operations will continue until the remaining militant threats in the affected areas are addressed. Further details about the identities of the four militants and the broader outcome of the clearance operations were not provided in the statement.
