RAWALPINDI, September 1, 2026: Security forces killed 21 terrorists in separate incidents in Nokcha, Chagai district, and Ziarat Cross, Pishin district, during the night of August 31 and September 1, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military’s media wing, the militants belonged to what it described as Indian-sponsored proxies of Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
ISPR said that on August 31, militants associated with Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to disrupt traffic on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway by setting up an illegal checkpoint for extortion.
Security forces responded to the incident and, following an intense exchange of fire, killed 11 militants at the scene. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered.
In a separate incident during the night of August 31 and September 1, militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to breach the Customs House.
Security forces responded and killed 10 militants after an intense exchange of fire, ISPR said. Fleeing militants were also engaged, causing further casualties.
The military described the attack on the Customs House as part of what it called a terror-crime nexus, aimed at preventing Customs officials from carrying out their duties and facilitating the continuation of criminal activities in the area.
During the exchange of fire, six personnel, including two officers and a Customs Department official, were killed in the line of duty, ISPR said.
Sanitisation operations were continuing in surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining militants and ensure the safety of the local population as well as security along key national highways.
ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue with full resolve.
It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country.