Wanted terrorist commander killed in Qila Saifullah operation: security sources

QUETTA: Security forces have killed a terrorist commander during an intelligence-based operation in Qila Saifullah district of Balochistan, security sources said, as counterterrorism operations continue in the province under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.

The slain commander, identified as Adil Shah alias Darvesh, was associated with Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij since December 2020 and had been overseeing the group’s financial affairs since 2024, the sources said, according to Radio Pakistan.

According to the sources, he provided accommodation to foreign terrorists in Zhob, Sherani and Shaban areas and was involved in extortion for ransom and attacks on security forces.

The commander had 19 first information reports (FIRs) registered against him, while a bounty of Rs2.5 million had been placed on his head, the sources added.

Security forces would continue operations against terrorists in Balochistan until the last terrorist was eliminated, the sources said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the operation, describing the killing of the commander as a demonstration of the security forces’ professional capabilities.

He said the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against terrorism were commendable and that the entire nation stood with the forces in the campaign.

Bugti said the fight would continue until terrorism was eliminated and the public was protected.

Shahid Rind, the chief minister’s aide on information and political affairs, also praised the operation, saying it reflected the security forces’ professional expertise and an effective strategy against elements threatening peace.

He stressed the need for indiscriminate action against terrorists and their facilitators.

On October 19, security forces killed four terrorists in operations in Balochistan’s Kalat district, while an army major was martyred in an improvised explosive device blast in Gwadar district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.