Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistani security forces announced on Monday, December 29, 2025, that 12 militants were killed in two separate security operations. The operations targeted militant strongholds in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan.
precise intelligence operations
The Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that the operations were based on precise intelligence regarding the movements of armed groups. Forces launched an attack in the Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in the “neutralization” of eight militants. A second operation targeted the Kalat district of Balochistan province, killing four more. Military sources confirmed the seizure of large quantities of weapons, ammunition, and explosives during the raids.
Open fronts on the borders
These moves come amid escalating armed attacks targeting security forces and civilians in border regions. The threat landscape is divided into two main fronts:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province: where the Pakistani Taliban is active. Islamabad accuses Afghan authorities of providing safe havens for members of the movement to carry out cross-border attacks, an accusation Kabul consistently denies.
Balochistan region: which is witnessing activity by the “Balochistan Liberation Army” and other separatist groups demanding the right to administer the region and secede from the central state.
Context of escalation
Observers believe that the intensification of security operations at this time reflects a Pakistani strategy to secure border areas. It also aims to counter armed ethnic groups (Pashtun and Baloch) that have escalated their suicide attacks and roadside bombings in recent months, further exacerbating diplomatic tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
