Pakistan Foils Infiltration, Kills 33 Terrorists in Zhob

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Pakistani security forces neutralized 33 militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Balochistan’s Zhob district, recovering weapons and explosives during an operation on August 7 and 8, 2025.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), troops detected a large group of armed individuals attempting to cross into Pakistan near the Sambaza area of Zhob district. The infiltrators were identified as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Security personnel engaged the group, resulting in the deaths of all 33 individuals. The forces recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the site. A search and clearance operation is ongoing in the area to ensure no remaining threats.

The ISPR reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s borders and countering cross-border militancy. While the statement alleged foreign backing for the group, no independent evidence was provided to support these claims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for the successful operation, calling it a significant step in efforts to curb terrorism. He reaffirmed the government’s support for the military in eliminating armed militant activity within Pakistan’s borders.

This incident comes shortly after a separate attack in Mastung, Balochistan, on August 5 and 6, in which three soldiers, including Major Muhammad Rizwan Tahir, were killed. According to the military, the assailants were linked to militant networks operating from across the border.

In a related development, security forces in Bannu carried out a joint operation with local police targeting suspected facilitators of the TTP. During the operation, hideouts were demolished and several suspects were taken into custody for questioning. Authorities stated that these actions are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the organizational and logistical networks of militant groups.

Officials noted that Pakistan has faced repeated infiltration attempts along its western frontier, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security forces have intensified border monitoring and operations aimed at preventing such incidents, with a focus on dismantling networks that use Afghan territory as a base for launching attacks.