RAWALPINDI — Pakistan security forces killed five suspected militants during an intelligence-based operation in Pishin district of Balochistan on February 22, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday.

The military’s media wing said the operation was conducted on reported presence of militants described as belonging to “Fitna al Khwarij.” The statement alleged that the group was operating as an Indian proxy. The development comes amid ongoing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, where security forces have intensified actions against armed groups.

According to ISPR, troops engaged the militants after locating their position. During the exchange of fire, one suspect detonated a suicide vest, while four others were killed in the operation.

Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from the site. The statement said the individuals were allegedly involved in multiple attacks in the area, though no specific incidents were detailed.

A sanitization operation is underway to clear the area of any remaining militants, ISPR said.

The military added that counterterrorism efforts under the national action framework “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, will continue in coordination with law enforcement agencies to address what it described as foreign-sponsored militancy.

No casualties among security personnel were reported in the statement.