At least eight suspected terrorists were killed by Pakistani security forces on the outskirts of Quetta in restive Balochistan province on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).
Spokesperson of Balochistan Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) told media that CTD conducted an intelligence-led strike near Darakshan town on the outskirts of Quetta in which terrorists were killed.
Eight dead bodies were found at the scene of the exchange of gunfire between CTD officials and terrorists, the spokesperson said.
“Obviously some of them managed to escape because we have evidence at the spot that suggests they were with other militants as well,” he added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that eight terrorists were killed.
The spokesman said they had received intelligence reports that a group of militants belonging to an insurgent group (which he did not identify) had reached Quetta from Mastung to carry out a major terrorist attack in the city.
Last month, armed militants carried out coordinated attacks across the province, killing at least 15 security officials and 18 civilians. About 206 terrorists were killed in four days of violent clashes between militants and security forces, according to the Military Media Department.
Terrorist attacks by insurgent groups have increased in the southwestern province, with the Balochistan Liberation Army claiming responsibility for attacks targeting several police stations, Border Corp checkpoints, banks and government buildings last month.
Insurgent groups have been waging separatist movements for the past two decades, but the intensity of attacks has increased in the last 2-3 years.
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Published – February 18, 2026 12:49 pm IST
