QUETTA (Kashmir English): Security forces have foiled a plot to target Dalbandin Airport, pilgrim convoys and freight trucks in Balochistan’s Chagai district by killing two militants during an intelligence-based operation, according to security sources.
The operation was launched after law enforcement agencies reportedly received intelligence that members of the proscribed militant network, identified by security sources as “Fitna-al-Hindustan”, were planning attacks on sensitive installations and civilian targets in the area.
According to the information provided by security sources, the suspected targets included Dalbandin Airport, a rest area used by pilgrims travelling to and from Iran, and a staging point for commercial trucks.
A special Frontier Corps team from Dalbandin Rifles launched an operation in the Dhadhar Nullah area at around 11:30 pm on November 14, 2026. Five minutes later, security personnel reportedly encountered two armed individuals near Dhadar Landi along the Quetta-Taftan Highway (N-40).
Preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were conducting reconnaissance of the area ahead of a possible attack, security sources said. The armed men allegedly opened fire upon spotting security personnel and attempted to escape into a nearby seasonal water channel.
Security forces pursued the suspects, while two reserve counter-terrorism teams reached the area and cordoned off the entry and exit points of the channel to prevent their escape.
Following an exchange of fire, both suspected militants were killed, according to security sources.
During a subsequent search operation, security personnel recovered a motorcycle, two sub-machine guns (SMGs), seven magazines, 210 rounds of ammunition, a blanket and motorcycle repair tools.
Security sources clarified that no attack on Dalbandin Airport took place. They said the suspects were intercepted during the alleged planning and reconnaissance stage, before they could carry out an attack.
The operation, according to security sources, prevented a potential threat to sensitive installations, pilgrims and civilian traffic along the strategically important route.
