Pakistan’s security forces have neutralized 47 terrorists in a series of intense operations in Balochistan’s Zhob district near the Afghanistan border, the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday. The operations, conducted over two nights on August 7-8 and 8-9, targeted members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as "Fitna al Khwarij," in the Sambaza area.

On the first night, security forces detected a large group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan and killed 33 in a precise and skillful engagement, recovering a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. A follow-up operation on the subsequent night eliminated 14 more terrorists in surrounding areas, with additional arms seized. The ISPR stated that a sanitization operation continues to clear any remaining threats.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the forces, saying, “The brave personnel risked their lives to thwart the terrorists’ nefarious designs,” emphasizing national support for the military’s efforts. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti hailed the operation as a proud moment, vowing to eliminate all obstacles to peace.

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Pakistan has faced a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. The ISPR reiterated the military’s commitment to securing Pakistan’s frontiers and eradicating terrorism, amid ongoing accusations that the TTP operates from Afghan sanctuaries, a claim denied by Kabul.

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