Security forces killed a key Afghan commander of the banned Fitna al-Khwarij and arrested his Afghan accomplice during a successful operation in the Pishin district of Balochistan on Wednesday.

According to security sources, forces traced commander Basir in the Shaban area on the basis of intelligence reports. He was the son of Afghan commander Noorullah, who had allegedly planned multiple attacks on security forces.

The sources said Basir also served as an operational commander of infiltration groups attempting to enter through the Shaban area.

The state uses the term Fitna al-Khwarij for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

On February 22, security forces had killed a group of five suicide bombers linked to Fitna al-Khwarij in Pishin, reportedly operating under Basir’s supervision.

The killing of Basir is being viewed as a major success for security forces in the ongoing fight against militancy.

Under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, operations against terrorist groups are continuing, the sources said.

The Apex Committee of the National Action Plan had approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam in June 2024 to eliminate terrorism and extremism across the country, aiming to eradicate militancy decisively and comprehensively.