Security forces have killed three more militants in Balochistan’s Zhob district during an ongoing anti-infiltration operation, the military confirmed Tuesday. The latest engagement raises the death toll to 50 militants over the past four days in and around the Sambaza area, which borders Afghanistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the latest clash took place overnight between August 10 and 11. Troops recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the slain fighters, who were linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by officials as Indian-backed Khawarij.

The military stressed that it remains committed to defending Pakistan’s borders and preventing any attempts to disrupt national stability.

Series of Deadly Clashes

The Zhob encounter follows a string of recent cross-border incidents. On the night of August 7–8, troops intercepted and killed 33 militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan. Less than 24 hours later, on August 9, another 14 were gunned down in follow-up operations.

Officials say the surge in militant activity is part of a renewed proxy war, with India accused of ramping up its covert support for TTP elements after its defeat in May’s border skirmishes.

Government Leaders Back Security Forces

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both praised the armed forces for their success in the latest operation.

“The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces,” President Zardari said, vowing that the fight will continue until terrorism is “completely eradicated.”

PM Shehbaz echoed the sentiment, commending the military’s professionalism and reaffirming that Pakistan will pursue the campaign “day and night” until the threat is eliminated.

Spike in Violence Since 2021

Cross-border militancy has been on the rise since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows that in June alone, the country faced 78 terrorist attacks, leaving at least 100 people dead — 53 of them security personnel. Another 189 people were injured, the majority from the security forces.

The same month saw 175 total fatalities from militant attacks and counter-operations, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing conflict.