Islamabad, 3 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Security forces killed 17 terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan’s Kachhi and Kharan districts, while a Pakistan Army soldier embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted on November 1 following reports about the presence of terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored groups identified as Fitna Al Hindustan and Fitna Al Khawarij. In the first operation, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Sanni area of Kachhi district and foiled an attempt by terrorists to establish a roadblock through timely and effective action. Ten terrorists were killed during the operation, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the area. In a separate operation in Kharan district, security forces raided a terrorist hideout, triggering an intense exchange of fire in which seven terrorists were killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation. However, Sepoy Hikmat Ullah, aged 25 and a resident of Karak district, embraced martyrdom while fighting the terrorists. The ISPR said sanitisation operations were underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the areas. It reaffirmed that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.