Security forces killed a terrorist commander during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah district, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday, citing security sources.
The slain commander was identified as Adil Shah, alias Darvesh, who the report said belonged to Fitna-al-Khawarij — a term used by the state for militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to Radio Pakistan, security forces are conducting operations against terrorists in Balochistan under “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3”.
Security sources said the commander had been associated with the group since December 2020 and had managed its financial affairs since 2024.
The report further alleged that he facilitated permanent residences for “foreign terrorists” in Balochistan’s Zhob, Sherani and Shaban areas. He was also reportedly involved in attacks on security forces and kidnappings for ransom since 2022.
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Nineteen first information reports (FIRs) had been registered against him, while a bounty of Rs2.5 million had been announced for his capture, the report stated.
Balochistan CM Praises Security Forces
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said in a post on X that the killing demonstrated the security forces’ “professional expertise and readiness”.
Balochistan has faced persistent security challenges and militant attacks, prompting repeated counterterrorism operations across the province.
On October 19, an army major was martyred and four terrorists were killed during intelligence-based operations in Balochistan.
A day earlier, security forces killed eight terrorists described by the state as “India-sponsored” during operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar districts.
On October 14, five terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Washuk district. On October 10, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed 10 terrorists during a targeted operation in Barkhan district.
In September, security forces reported further operations across the province. Three terrorists were killed in an operation in the Badrang area of Awaran district on September 17, while another three were killed in Mastung on September 14. Earlier that month, 21 terrorists were killed in separate engagements in Nokcha, Chagai, Ziarat Cross and Pishin.
PICSS Reports Rise in Terrorist Violence
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist violence increased significantly nationwide in September 2026.
The institute recorded 225 attacks during the month, compared with 199 in August — an increase of 13.1 per cent and the highest monthly total in 12 years, according to its report.
Terrorism-related fatalities rose by 64 per cent, from 158 to 259, while injuries increased by 33.7 per cent to 242.
Balochistan remained the most affected province, accounting for 131 attacks, or 58.2 per cent of the national total, the report said.
Army Chief Vows Continued Counterterrorism Operations
Last week, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said the armed forces would continue their counterterrorism campaign against what he described as Indian-sponsored terrorist groups.
He vowed that the forces would pursue the campaign “to the fullest” and “hit them hard wherever they are”.
