Pakistani security forces kill 18 militants in operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan

State media reported that Pakistani security forces killed a total of 18 terrorists in separate operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In North Waziristan, an intelligence-based strike eliminated 13 militants classified as Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Meanwhile, in Mastung district, security units killed five individuals associated with the Fitna al-Hindustan group, which the government links to Indian involvement.

Heavy weapons and ammunition were seized, and the raids are part of the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies notes a 50 % increase in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August compared with July, while Balochistan remains the province most affected by terrorism. The report also references a series of recent engagements that have killed dozens of militants throughout both regions.