Pakistani Forces Kill Dozens of Militants Amid Deadly Mosque Bombing

The Government of Pakistan launched a series of counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 20 and September 23, 2026, resulting in the deaths of over 50 militants. Under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign, security forces killed 19 terrorists in Quetta, Kech, and Shaban, while separate raids in Turbat and Mastung killed 11 more. Earlier strikes in the border region adjoining Afghanistan destroyed three Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan compounds, including a training center, killing 28 militants. Additional operations in Kohat and Hangu killed nine militants on September 20.

These military gains coincided with a devastating attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device struck a mosque within the Old Police Lines. The blast killed dozens of police officers and civilians and injured more than 100 people. Alliances including former Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan commanders and Lashkar-e-Islam claimed responsibility. While the government blamed Kabul for providing sanctuary to militants, a report by Khalsa Vox argued the attack resulted from internal intelligence failures and a history of treating certain jihadist groups as strategic assets.

Security forces reported the recovery of large caches of weapons and ammunition during the raids. The operations came at a cost to the state, including the death of Subedar Muhammad Jamil during the Balochistan engagements. Government officials characterized the targeted groups, including Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna Al Khawarij, as Indian-sponsored entities.