Islamabad – Pakistani security forces carried out coordinated raids on militant hideouts in the country’s northwest and southwest regions, killing 49 militants, the military announced on Friday. The operations are part of an intensified effort to curb insurgent activity after a recent surge in attacks.

Northwest operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

According to a military statement, twelve militants were killed in separate actions this week in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that shares a border with Afghanistan. The forces acted on intelligence that identified the targets as members of “Fitna al‑Khawarij,” a term the government uses for the outlawed Pakistani Taliban.

Southwest operation in Balochistan

In the southwestern province of Balochistan, another 37 militants were killed during similar raids. The military described those killed as part of “Fitna al‑Hindustan,” referring to Baloch separatist groups that seek greater autonomy or independence from the central government.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused both the Pakistani Taliban and Baloch separatists of operating from sanctuaries in neighboring Afghanistan and receiving support from India. Both Afghanistan and India have denied the allegations.

The Pakistani Taliban, formally known as Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), remains a distinct organization but maintains a close alliance with Afghanistan’s Taliban. The country has experienced a wave of violence attributed largely to the TTP and Baloch separatist factions.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area but its least populous, has long been the focus of an insurgency by ethnic Baloch groups. The region also experiences attacks from the TTP and the Islamic State group, adding to the security challenges faced by Pakistani authorities.

The military emphasized that the recent raids demonstrate its commitment to dismantling militant networks and restoring stability in both provinces.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.