Security forces killed five terrorists during an operation near Qalat in Balochistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place during the night of September 18 and 19, 2026.
The ISPR said terrorists tried to disrupt the peaceful movement of people on the Pakistan Highway Chaman-Karachi (N-25) near Qalat.
The terrorists had set up a checkpoint on the national highway. Their aim was to kidnap people for ransom, carry out extortion and steal vehicles.
Security forces quickly responded after noticing the presence of the terrorists. An intense exchange of fire took place.
The forces carried out an effective response and killed five terrorists. According to the ISPR, the killed terrorists were members of an India-backed proxy group linked to Fitna al-Hindustan.
23 hostages rescued
During the operation, security forces also safely rescued 23 hostages from the terrorists’ hideout.
The forces recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives from the hideout.
Vehicles recovered
Security forces also recovered six trucks, three buses and two cars from the terrorists’ hideout.
The terrorists were allegedly using these vehicles to hold people hostage and carry out other criminal activities.
A sanitisation operation is continuing in the area due to fears that more terrorists may be present.
Kohat blast
Before this, authorities revealed the identity of the suicide bomber involved in the Kohat Police Lines attack as Matiullah. He was identified as an Afghan national.
According to an initial inquiry report, 21 people were killed and 103 others were injured in the attack at a mosque inside the Kohat Police Lines on Friday, September 18. The figures were reported by district health officials.
The report said the blast took place at around 1:20 PM during Friday prayers. The mosque was located on Hangu Road.
The blast was followed by an attack involving several armed militants. Police said seven militants were later killed during the security operation.
Of the 21 people killed, 15 were police personnel, and six were civilians. One of the civilians was Dr Israel Khan Orakzai. He was a senior paediatrician at Liaquat Memorial Hospital in Kohat.
The attack took place inside a heavily secured police compound where officers and other worshippers had gathered for Friday prayers.
The inquiry report said 103 injured people were taken to hospitals after the attack. The injured included 73 police personnel and 30 civilians.
Thirteen were treated at Liaquat Memorial Hospital, while 90 were taken to District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat.
