ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed four militants linked to an Indian-backed group, Fitna al Hindustan in an intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar district of Balochistan, the military said on Thursday.
“On 17 September 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar District of Balochistan, on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan,” said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement issued today.
Troops engaged the militants after locating them in the area, and an intense exchange of fire followed, the statement said. Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the site, it added.
Authorities said the militants were involved in multiple terrorist attacks in the region. A clearance operation is under way to track down any remaining fighters.
The military reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism and bring those behind such attacks to justice.
In July last, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report states that Indian proxy groups—the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), including its Majeed Brigade, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—maintain close coordination. The report highlights the growing sophistication of BLA attacks, citing the dramatic hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan.
These terrorist groups—TTP, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, and BLA, known as Fitna al-Hindustan—are actively operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, respectively. Exposing the nexuses of both groups, the report says that, in January 2025, TTP held terrorist trainings in Balochistan.
Earlier this month, a former CIA counterintelligence operative claimed that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is now working directly with Al-Qaeda, raising alarms about regional militancy.
Speaking to The Wire Pakistan, the ex-CIA officer said the BLA, long viewed as an Indian proxy, has integrated operationally with Al-Qaeda networks. She alleged the group is receiving training abroad following U.S. sanctions.
She also warned that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has expanded significantly in Afghanistan under Taliban protection. According to her, the Taliban have permitted the TTP to run more than 40 training camps, providing weapons, funding, and safe haven. The group now fields an estimated 15,000 fighters, including foreign militants from Yemen and Central Asia, making it “a legion, not a local insurgency.”
“The TTP is not what people think,” she said. “It is bigger, international, and officially part of Al-Qaeda’s structure.” She added that TTP deputy military chief Muzaffar Muzahim has joined Al-Qaeda’s senior shura.
