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QUETTA, September 20, 2026: Security forces foiled an attempt to establish a checkpost along the N-25 Karachi-Chaman highway near Kalat, recovering 23 abducted people and several vehicles, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operation took place during the night of September 18-19.
According to ISPR, militants attempted to disrupt civilian movement along the highway. They allegedly planned to use the checkpost for abductions for ransom, extortion and vehicle snatching.
Security forces responded after the militants established the position, ISPR said.
The military’s media wing initially reported that five militants were killed during an exchange of fire. A later Express Tribune update reported the death toll among the militants at six.
ISPR described the militants as members of what the Pakistani state refers to as Fitna al-Hindustan. The designation and allegations of foreign support are claims by Pakistani authorities.
Security forces recovered 23 abducted people from a militant hideout, according to ISPR.
They also recovered six trucks, three buses and two cars.
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A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also found at the site, the military said.
The operation prevented the alleged militants from using the highway checkpoint to target passengers and vehicles.
Security forces have continued search and clearance operations in surrounding areas.
ISPR said the operations aim to remove any remaining militants and protect civilians and traffic along the national highway.
The latest operation comes amid a series of security operations across Balochistan.
Security forces have reported several operations against militant groups in the province in recent weeks.
On September 19, authorities reported that 11 militants were killed in separate operations in Panjgur and Chagai districts.
Earlier, seven militants were reported killed in separate intelligence-based operations in Panjgur and Kachhi districts.
The military has also continued operations under Azm-e-Istehkam, a counterterrorism framework approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for the operation, according to statements cited in the supplied report.
The leaders commended the recovery of the abducted people and vehicles.
Shehbaz Sharif also praised the forces for responding quickly to the reported attempt to disrupt civilian movement along the highway.
The government said counterterrorism operations would continue against militant groups operating in the country.
The Kalat operation comes as Balochistan continues to face militant violence and security challenges.
Recent operations have targeted militant positions in several districts, including Kalat, Panjgur, Chagai, Kachhi and Awaran.
Security forces have said their operations aim to protect civilians, infrastructure and major highways.
The latest operation near Kalat also highlights the security risks faced by passengers and commercial traffic using the N-25 corridor.
[…] 23 Abductees Rescued as Security Forces Foil Checkpost Attempt Near Kalat […]