RAWALPINDI, August 12, 2026: At least 18 militants were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated prematurely and security forces later carried out a joint clearance operation, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred on the morning of August 12 while militants were allegedly preparing a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED).
ISPR said the premature explosion killed eight militants and injured several others.
The blast and secondary explosions from explosives stored at the site also reportedly killed three nearby civilians, according to the military statement.
Security Forces Kill 10 More Militants in Follow-Up Operation
Following the explosion, security forces and Balochistan Police reached the area and launched a joint clearance operation to track down militants and their facilitators.
ISPR said security personnel detected the movement of militants attempting to flee the area and engaged them during the operation.
Ten more militants were killed, taking the total number of militants killed in the incident and subsequent operation to 18, according to ISPR.
Two soldiers were also injured during the exchange of fire.
Clearance Operation Continues in Surab
The military said sanitisation operations were continuing in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining militants.
ISPR described the militants as being affiliated with “Fitna Al Hindustan,” a terminology used by Pakistani authorities for certain militant groups they allege are backed by India. The statement did not provide independent evidence for that allegation.
The military said counterterrorism operations would continue under Azm-e-Istehkam, the government-backed counterterrorism framework approved under the National Action Plan.
Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue efforts against what ISPR described as foreign-sponsored terrorism, the statement added.
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