Curated News Summary

Major among 4 troops martyred, 24 terrorists killed during operations in KP and Balochistan: ISPR

Source: dawn.com Published Sat, 14 Nov 2026 23:12:14 +0500

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Key context: Four troops, including a major, were martyred while 24 terrorists were killed in multiple intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan, the military’s media wing said on Saturday. In a <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7844">statement</a>, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that since Nov 13, armed forces have been conducting multiple IBOs “around Kolpur, Kardagap and Nushki, including area domination and patrolling of the Quetta-Taftan National Highway (N-40) to keep it secure for local traffic and sustain operations”. On the night of Nov 13/14 in Kolpur, security forces “successfully neutralised eight Indian-sponsored terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), including a suicide bomber, and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition”, ISPR said. The state has <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1914525">designated</a> Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al-Hindustan to <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1912930#:~:text=The%20term%20%E2%80%98Fitna%20al%20Hindu%C2%ADstan%E2%80%99%20is%20a%20new%20phrase%20coined%20by%20Pakistan%E2%80%99s%20military%2C%20aimed%20at%20framing%20India%E2%80%99s%20alleged%20role%20in%20terrorism%20as%20a%20deliberate%20destabilisation%20strategy%2C%20potentially%20to%20galvanise%20domestic%20support.">highlight</a> India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. It added that on Nov 14, FAH terrorists “targeted military vehicles on patrol with armed quadcopters”, resulting in the martyrdom of Major Omer Minhas Nasir, resident of Chakwal district, and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan from Kotli Sattian. “This cowardly act has not shaken the resolve of the security forces. The tempo of operations will be maintained and IBOs will continue with the same vigour to secure the local population and eliminate the menace of terrorism,” ISPR affirmed. It added that clearance operations in these areas will continue “until the threat is completely neutralised”. <figure class='media w-full sm:w-full media--center ' data-original-src='https://i.dawn.com/primary/2026/11/141943261c4a7b2.webp'> <div class='media__item '><picture><img src='https://i.dawn.com/primary/2026/11/141943261c4a7b2.webp' width='800' height='480' srcset='https://i.dawn.com/thumbnail/2026/11/141943261c4a7b2.webp 300w, https://i.dawn.com/medium/2026/11/141943261c4a7b2.webp 500w, https://i.dawn.com/primary/2026/11/141943261c4a7b2.webp 800w' sizes='(min-width: 1024px) 890px, 100vw' alt=' This photo, shared by ISPR on Nov 14, shows ammunition and equipment recovered from terrorists in Balochistan. ' /></picture></div> <figcaption class='media__caption '>This photo, shared by ISPR on Nov 14, shows ammunition and equipment recovered from terrorists in Balochistan.</figcaption> </figure> It further said: “Backed by India and other hostile intelligence agencies, FAH is actively trying to use drones and other technical means, including IEDs (improvised explosive devices), to target innocent civilians and security forces, so as to undermine the efforts of the government and security forces to maintain peace and normalcy in the area.” Accusing India of providing terrorists full financial support and supplying it with the “latest gadgetry”, the ISPR asserted, “The security forces are fully alive to this evolving threat and will deny the terrorists any space, whatever means they employ.” ISPR affirmed that the “relentless counterterrorism campaign under vision ‘<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1841867">Azm-i- Istehkam</a>’, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1872106/nap-at-10-assessing-pakistans-response-post-aps">National Action Plan</a>, will continue at full pace”. The military’s media wing warned that security forces and law enforcement agencies “will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”. In an earlier statement, ISPR said two soldiers were martyred and 16 terrorists were killed as security forces continued a series of IBOs in North Waziristan. According to the military’s media wing, multiple khwarij locations were engaged in the general areas of Mir Ali, Datta Khel and surrounding areas in North Waziristan. <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/2121528289936420937'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/2121528289936420937"></a> </blockquote> </div> </figure> “Following fierce fire exchanges, in last twelve hours, 12 khwarij, including two Afghan nationals belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell in Ali Khel, while two khwarij each were neutralised in Mir Ali and Datta Khel, thereby causing a significant blow to the khwarijs’ network operating in the area,” ISPR said. Fitna al Khawarij is a term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). ISPR said that during the operations, 43-year-old Havildar Asmat Ali and 32-year-old Naik Aftab Ali embraced martyrdom. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Indian-sponsored khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including the killing of innocent civilians,” it said. The statement said that sanitisation operations would continue to eliminate “remaining holed-up khwarij from these areas”, adding that the counterterrorism campaign would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country. <h2><a id="step-forward-in-war-against-terrorism" href="#step-forward-in-war-against-terrorism" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" title="Permalink"></a>‘Step forward in war against terrorism’</h2> President Asif Ali Zardari, in separate <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://x.com/PresOfPakistan/status/2121533274300317768">statements</a>, paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations and expressed condolences over the martyrdom of the troops. He <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://x.com/PresOfPakistan/status/2121600251928920183">expressed</a> his condolences to the bereaved families of the martyrs, terming the sacrifices by officers and soldiers a “source of pride for the entire nation”. <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/PresOfPakistan/status/2121600251928920183'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/2121600251928920183"></a> </blockquote> </div> </figure> Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the professional competence, bravery and prompt action of the security forces in the operations, state-run APP reported. He prayed for the martyrs’ ranks and for patience for their families. “The enemy is making nefarious attempts to sabotage regional peace by targeting innocent civilians and security personnel. However, our armed forces are fully capable of thwarting every nefarious design of the enemy,” he was quoted as saying. The premier affirmed that operations “against externally sponsored terrorism will continue with full force until its complete elimination”. “The supreme sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our national resolve to completely eradicate terrorism,” he said in an earlier statement. <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/RadioPakistan/status/2121645671191032208'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/RadioPakistan/status/2121645671191032208"></a> </blockquote> </div> </figure> Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was deeply saddened by the martyrdom of “brave military personnel in a drone attack on a military convoy in Kirdgap, Mastung”. Strongly condemning the “cowardly attack”, Dar affirmed that the nation “stands united with our armed forces and resolute in its determination to eliminate terrorism”. <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/MIshaqDar50/status/2121598349765743066'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/MIshaqDar50/status/2121598349765743066"></a> </blockquote> </div> </figure> In his statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti termed the killing of eight terrorists a “significant step forward in the war against terrorism”. In a post on X, he declared that “every attempt to spread unrest in Balochistan and block the path to development will be thwarted”. Paying tribute to the martyred major and havildar, CM Bugti wrote, “The state is committed to completely eradicating terrorism and protecting the lives and property of the people. There will be no compromise on peace and stability in Balochistan.” <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/PakSarfrazbugti/status/2121604829269155850'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/PakSarfrazbugti/status/2121604829269155850"></a> </blockquote> </div> </figure> <h2><a id="rise-in-terrorism" href="#rise-in-terrorism" class="heading-permalink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" title="Permalink"></a>Rise in terrorism</h2> The operations come a day after ISPR <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2044387/74-terrorists-killed-in-targeted-actions-ispr">said</a> 74 terrorists were killed in IBOs in KP and Balochistan. On Friday, it said 43 terrorists were killed during operations conducted over 48 hours in KP, including 35 in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali and eight in Orakzai district. Another 31 terrorists were killed in Balochistan during an operation launched on Nov 3. Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorism, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the banned TTP <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1723647">ended</a> its ceasefire deal with the government in November 2022, vowing to increase attacks. According to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://picss.net/reports/terrorism-in-pakistan-weekly-30-oct-5-nov-2026/">Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies</a>, the country’s security environment continued to show considerable volatility from Oct 30 to Nov 5, 2026, with renewed terrorist activity in parts of KP and the former tribal districts, alongside intensified counterterrorism operations and changing patterns of militant violence. <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.com/news/2014791/balochistan-security-crisis'> <div class='media__item media__item--newskitlink '> <iframe class="nk-iframe" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:250px;position:relative" src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/2014791" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div> </figure> While attacks rose from 8 to 20 in former tribal districts, Balochistan presented a different pattern; it recorded 11 attacks, down from 15 the previous week, although fatalities increased from five to seven. The weekly increase came against the backdrop of a substantial month-on-month reduction in terrorist violence recorded <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2041388/terrorist-attacks-drop-by-37pc-in-october-picss">during October</a>. Earlier this month, a soldier was martyred and 17 terrorists were killed in <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2041875/soldier-martyred-17-terrorists-killed-in-intelligence-based-operations-in-balochistan-ispr">two IBOs</a> conducted in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts on Nov 1, ISPR said. <hr /> Correction: An earlier version of this story said 14 terrorists were killed in North Waziristan. The error is regretted. This development from dawn.com highlights ongoing changes in the sector.

Four troops, including a major, were martyred while 24 terrorists were killed in multiple intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan, the military’s media wing said on Saturday. In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that since Nov 13, armed forces have been conducting multiple IBOs “around Kolpur, Kardagap and Nushki, including area domination and patrolling of the Quetta-Taftan National Highway (N-40) to keep it secure for local traffic and sustain operations”. On the night of Nov 13/14 in Kolpur, security forces “successfully neutralised eight Indian-sponsored terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), including a suicide bomber, and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition”, ISPR said. The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. It added that on Nov 14, FAH terrorists “targeted military vehicles on patrol with armed quadcopters”, resulting in the martyrdom of Major Omer Minhas Nasir, resident of Chakwal district, and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan from Kotli Sattian. “This cowardly act has not shaken the resolve of the security forces. The tempo of operations will be maintained and IBOs will continue with the same vigour to secure the local population and eliminate the menace of terrorism,” ISPR affirmed. It added that clearance operations in these areas will continue “until the threat is completely neutralised”. This photo, shared by ISPR on Nov 14, shows ammunition and equipment recovered from terrorists in Balochistan. It further said: “Backed by India and other hostile intelligence agencies, FAH is actively trying to use drones and other technical means, including IEDs (improvised explosive devices), to target innocent civilians and security forces, so as to undermine the efforts of the government and security forces to maintain peace and normalcy in the area.” Accusing India of providing terrorists full financial support and supplying it with the “latest gadgetry”, the ISPR asserted, “The security forces are fully alive to this evolving threat and will deny the terrorists any space, whatever means they employ.” ISPR affirmed that the “relentless counterterrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-i- Istehkam’, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace”. The military’s media wing warned that security forces and law enforcement agencies “will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”. In an earlier statement, ISPR said two soldiers were martyred and 16 terrorists were killed as security forces continued a series of IBOs in North Waziristan. According to the military’s media wing, multiple khwarij locations were engaged in the general areas of Mir Ali, Datta Khel and surrounding areas in North Waziristan. “Following fierce fire exchanges, in last twelve hours, 12 khwarij, including two Afghan nationals belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell in Ali Khel, while two khwarij each were neutralised in Mir Ali and Datta Khel, thereby causing a significant blow to the khwarijs’ network operating in the area,” ISPR said. Fitna al Khawarij is a term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). ISPR said that during the operations, 43-year-old Havildar Asmat Ali and 32-year-old Naik Aftab Ali embraced martyrdom. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Indian-sponsored khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including the killing of innocent civilians,” it said. The statement said that sanitisation operations would continue to eliminate “remaining holed-up khwarij from these areas”, adding that the counterterrorism campaign would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country. ‘Step forward in war against terrorism’ President Asif Ali Zardari, in separate statements, paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations and expressed condolences over the martyrdom of the troops. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of the martyrs, terming the sacrifices by officers and soldiers a “source of pride for the entire nation”. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the professional competence, bravery and prompt action of the security forces in the operations, state-run APP reported. He prayed for the martyrs’ ranks and for patience for their families. “The enemy is making nefarious attempts to sabotage regional peace by targeting innocent civilians and security personnel. However, our armed forces are fully capable of thwarting every nefarious design of the enemy,” he was quoted as saying. The premier affirmed that operations “against externally sponsored terrorism will continue with full force until its complete elimination”. “The supreme sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our national resolve to completely eradicate terrorism,” he said in an earlier statement. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was deeply saddened by the martyrdom of “brave military personnel in a drone attack on a military convoy in Kirdgap, Mastung”. Strongly condemning the “cowardly attack”, Dar affirmed that the nation “stands united with our armed forces and resolute in its determination to eliminate terrorism”. In his statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti termed the killing of eight terrorists a “significant step forward in the war against terrorism”. In a post on X, he declared that “every attempt to spread unrest in Balochistan and block the path to development will be thwarted”. Paying tribute to the martyred major and havildar, CM Bugti wrote, “The state is committed to completely eradicating terrorism and protecting the lives and property of the people. There will be no compromise on peace and stability in Balochistan.” Rise in terrorism The operations come a day after ISPR said 74 terrorists were killed in IBOs in KP and Balochistan. On Friday, it said 43 terrorists were killed during operations conducted over 48 hours in KP, including 35 in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali and eight in Orakzai district. Another 31 terrorists were killed in Balochistan during an operation launched on Nov 3. Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorism, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the banned TTP ended its ceasefire deal with the government in November 2022, vowing to increase attacks. According to Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the country’s security environment continued to show considerable volatility from Oct 30 to Nov 5, 2026, with renewed terrorist activity in parts of KP and the former tribal districts, alongside intensified counterterrorism operations and changing patterns of militant violence. While attacks rose from 8 to 20 in former tribal districts, Balochistan presented a different pattern; it recorded 11 attacks, down from 15 the previous week, although fatalities increased from five to seven. The weekly increase came against the backdrop of a substantial month-on-month reduction in terrorist violence recorded during October. Earlier this month, a soldier was martyred and 17 terrorists were killed in two IBOs conducted in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts on Nov 1, ISPR said. Correction: An earlier version of this story said 14 terrorists were killed in North Waziristan. The error is regretted.

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