Security forces killed seven terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in the Lajay area of Balochistan’s Kharan district, part of Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, launched after reports emerged of terrorist presence in the area.
Security sources said the operation neutralized seven members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, while several others sustained injuries. A large cache of modern weapons, ammunition, and other equipment was recovered from the terrorists’ hideouts, along with two vehicles and a motorcycle allegedly used by the group. Forces also completely destroyed the hideouts during the operation.
According to sources, those killed had been involved in planning and carrying out various criminal and terrorist activities in Kharan and specifically 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 Inter-Services Public Relations, adding that the pursuit of terrorists would continue until all militant elements were eliminated.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the successful operation, calling the dismantling of the hideouts and recovery of arms and ammunition 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 in a statement posted on X.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the security forces’ professionalism, calling personnel fighting terrorism a source of national pride. “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
Separately, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and the Counter Terrorism Department arrested a suspected terrorist linked to the TTP in Karachi, recovering weapons and explosives from his possession, according to the Sindh Rangers spokesperson.
The suspect, identified as Shahzad alias Dunger, was arrested during an intelligence-based operation in Jacob Lines, Jamshed Town. He was associated with the TTP’s Mansoor group, having joined the organization in 2025 after being influenced by its leader, Mansoor.
According to the spokesperson, Mansoor had tasked Shahzad with raising funds for the group in Karachi. The suspect allegedly contacted individuals in the city’s Manghopir area and persuaded them to make monthly contributions to the TTP before transferring the collected funds to Waziristan through Easypaisa accounts provided by Mansoor’s associate, Din Muhammad, based in Tank. Shahzad reportedly told investigators the money was sent to Mansoor and used to finance various terrorist activities.
Rangers said Shahzad had travelled to Waziristan on several occasions to hold secret meetings with Mansoor, including one in Birmal, near the Afghan border, in June 2026. During that meeting, Mansoor allegedly instructed him to expand his network in Karachi for terrorism and extortion, later sending weapons and explosives 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, noting that raids are underway to arrest his remaining associates.
On June 28, security forces foiled a separate terrorist attack in Karachi in which three Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) personnel were martyred and four others injured.
