Pakistan Army major killed in Balochistan blast as forces kill four terrorists

A Pakistan Army major was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during a security operation in Balochistan, the military said on Monday, as security forces conducted operations against suspected terrorists in the province.

Major Wajahat Waheed, 34, was leading an operation in the Shadi Kaur area of Pasni in Gwadar district when the explosive device detonated, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing.

The operations took place on Sunday in Shadi Kaur and Jattakabad in Kalat district following reports of terrorist presence in the areas.

Four terrorists killed in Kalat operation

According to the military, security forces carried out an operation in Jattakabad, Kalat district, killing four terrorists and recovering what it described as a large cache of arms and ammunition.

Separately, forces conducted a series of clearance operations in Shadi Kaur, in the Pasni area of Gwadar district. Waheed was killed in an IED attack while leading one of these operations.

The Army said sanitisation operations would continue to identify and eliminate any other terrorists found in the affected areas.

It also reiterated that security forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to eradicating what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism in Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif pays tribute to slain officer

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for killing the four terrorists and expressed grief over the death of Major Waheed.

In his message, Sharif said the officer had sacrificed his life to protect the country and described him as a brave son of the nation. He also extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the elevation of the officer's rank.

Balochistan sees continued counter-terror operations

Balochistan has experienced an increase in terrorist activity in recent years, prompting continued security operations by state forces to contain the violence.

A day before Sunday's operations, security forces killed eight terrorists during separate operations in the districts of Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar.

The latest actions highlight the continuing security challenges facing the province, where authorities say operations are under way to target militant groups and prevent further attacks.