KALAT, Balochistan: Security forces killed five militants and rescued 23 abducted people in the Kalat N-25 operation after an illegal checkpoint was established on the highway, the military said.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation took place during the night of September 18-19 on the Chaman-Karachi N-25 highway. Moreover, it said the armed men were attempting to abduct travellers, extort money and seize vehicles.
Security forces responded after receiving information about the blockade. They then engaged the militants in an exchange of fire, according to the military’s account. ISPR said five militants were killed and all 23 abducted people were recovered safely.
The military said troops also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives from a hideout linked to the group. The operation recovered six trucks, three buses and two cars.
ISPR described the militants as members of what the state calls Fitna al-Hindustan. This is a designation Pakistan uses for Balochistan-based militant groups it alleges receive Indian support. However, India has previously rejected Pakistani allegations that it sponsors militancy in Balochistan.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Security Forces Conduct Successful IBO in Kalat
Intelligence sources confirmed looted vehicles/material at a camp in Raij, Kalat. Security forces eliminated 2 FAH terrorists and injured 1 suspect, while successfully rescuing 23 abducted civilians, including drivers… pic.twitter.com/StPqVZgm9G
— Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) September 19, 2026The Kalat operation came amid heightened security activity in Balochistan. On September 19, state media reported that security forces killed 11 militants in separate operations in Panjgur and Chagai districts under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.
Read: Kohat Police Lines Attack Kills 17, Wounds 73 in KP
ISPR had earlier said 48 militants were killed during multiple operations across Balochistan on September 4. These operations included actions in Mastung, Quetta, Kalat and Sibi.
