KARACHI/QUETTA:
Security forces killed seven terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Lajay area of Balochistan’s Kharan district during Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. Forces launched the operation after receiving reports about the presence of terrorists in the area.
Security sources said during the operation, forces neutralised seven members of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij while several others sustained injuries.
They said a huge cache of modern weapons, ammunition and other equipment was recovered from the terrorists’ hideouts. Security forces also seized two vehicles and a motorcycle allegedly used by the terrorists. The forces also completely destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts.
According to sources, the killed terrorists were involved in planning and executing various criminal and terrorist activities in Kharan and particularly Lajay, including looting, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, target killings and suicide attacks.
“Security forces are continuing intelligence-based and targeted operations across Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace in the province,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
Security sources said the pursuit of terrorists would continue until all militant elements were eliminated and that all necessary measures would be taken to achieve the operation’s objectives.
President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for the successful IBO in Kharan. He said the dismantling of the hideouts of the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists and the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition is a significant achievement.
“Operations against terrorist elements operating under external patronage are indispensable for the protection of national security. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces of Pakistan in the war against terrorism,”” he said a statement also posted on X.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces and their professionalism and said the personnel fighting terrorism were a source of pride for the nation. “The nation remains united in the fight against terrorism. IBOs will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” he said.
TTP operative arrested in Karachi
Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a suspected terrorist linked to the TTP in Karachi, recovering weapons and explosives from his possession, the Sindh Rangers spokesperson said on Sunday.
“The suspect, identified as Shahzad alias Dunger, was arrested during an IBO in Jacob Lines, Jamshed Town,” the spokesperson said. Shahzad, he said, was associated with the Mansoor group of the TTP and had joined the organisation in 2025 after being influenced by its leader, Mansoor.
According to the spokesperson, Mansoor had tasked Shahzad with raising funds for the organisation in Karachi and the suspect had allegedly contacted some people in the Manghopir area of the city and persuaded them to make monthly contributions to the TTP.
He then collected the funds and transferred them to Waziristan through Easypaisa accounts provided by Mansoor’s associate, Din Muhammad, who was based in Tank, the spokesperson said. The suspect told investigators that “the money was sent to Mansoor and used to finance various terrorist activities.”
The Rangers said Shahzad had travelled to Waziristan on several occasions and held secret meetings with Mansoor. In June 2026, he allegedly met Mansoor in Birmal, an area bordering Afghanistan.
During the meeting, Mansoor instructed Shahzad to strengthen his network in Karachi for terrorism and extortion. Mansoor later sent weapons and explosives to Shahzad through an unidentified associate.
“After receiving the weapons and explosives, Shahzad and his associates were allegedly planning attacks on sensitive locations in Karachi,” the Rangers added. The spokesperson said raids were underway to arrest the suspect’s other associates.
On June 28, security forces foiled a terrorist attack in Karachi, in which three Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) personnel embraced martyrdom, and four others were injured.
