18 Terrorists Among 21 Killed In Balochistan Blast And Security Operation

Eighteen terrorists were among 21 people killed in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated prematurely while militants were preparing it, followed by a security operation, the Pakistan Army said on Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, the blast occurred in Surab district when militants were preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The premature detonation killed eight terrorists and injured several others.

A secondary explosion involving other explosives stored at the site killed three nearby civilians, the army said.

Security forces and Balochistan Police subsequently launched a joint clearance operation to track down militants who fled the scene. During the operation, security personnel detected their movement and engaged them in an exchange of fire, killing another 10 terrorists.

The latest incident comes amid a broader military campaign in the province. Pakistan launched Operation Shaban on July 5 following the deadly attack at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat. Pakistani authorities have reported a rapidly rising militant casualty toll from the operation and related intelligence-based actions.

The crackdown has continued across the province, with security forces carrying out operations in several districts. On August 11, Pakistani security forces said they had killed five militants, including a key commander, in an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur.

The military has also described Baloch separatist groups as part of what it calls “Fitna-al-Hindustan”, alleging foreign support for the insurgency. India has denied such allegations. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is among the major separatist groups active in the province.