Quetta, October 25, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Security forces have killed a key militant commander during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Qila Saifullah district, according to security sources. The slain commander was identified as Adil Shah, alias Darvesh, who had been affiliated with the Fitna al-Khawarij militant group since December 2020. Sources said Shah had been overseeing the group’s financial affairs since 2024 and had facilitated accommodation for non-local militants in the Zhob, Sherani and Shaban districts. He was also allegedly involved in attacks on security forces and kidnapping for ransom during 2022 and 2023. According to the sources, 19 cases had been registered against him in anti-terrorism courts, while a bounty of Rs2.5 million had been announced for information leading to his arrest. The operation was conducted as part of the security forces’ ongoing campaign in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3. Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years in September 2026. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani authorities maintain that the Afghan Taliban administration has not taken effective measures against groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security personnel and civilians.