Quetta: Pakistan's security forces killed eight suspected militants during three intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Balochistan's Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar districts on Saturday, October 17, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by the military's media wing, the operations were launched following intelligence reports about the presence of militants associated with what the military describes as the India backed group Fitna al Hindustan.

The term Fitna al Hindustan is used by Pakistani authorities to refer to militant groups operating in Balochistan that they allege receive support from India.

In the Panjpai area of Quetta district, security forces intercepted militants who were allegedly attempting to establish a roadblock and disrupt traffic. Five suspected militants were killed during the operation, ISPR said.

In Nushki district, security personnel located a suspected militant hideout during a search operation. An exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of two militants, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the location.

A third operation was conducted in Khuzdar district, where security forces targeted another suspected militant hideout. One militant was killed, and 490 kilogrammes of explosives were recovered, according to ISPR.

The military said search operations were continuing in the affected areas to locate any remaining militants.

ISPR also reaffirmed that counterterrorism operations would continue under the government's Azm e Istehkam initiative, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

The operations come amid concerns over militant activity in Balochistan, where security forces have conducted several intelligence based operations in recent weeks.

On October 12 and 13, security forces killed five suspected militants during an operation in Washuk district, according to ISPR.

Balochistan government officials subsequently announced the arrest of six suspected members of the banned Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), two women suspected of planning suicide attacks and two commanders of a banned organisation during operations across the province.

Officials also reported that approximately 90 detained suspects were being held at a facility while investigations and legal proceedings continued.

Earlier in October, state media reported that five militants had been killed during an operation in Mastung district.

According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the number of militant attacks in Balochistan increased from 83 in July to 89 in August, representing a rise of approximately seven per cent.

The report identified Balochistan as the province most affected by militant violence during the period.

Authorities have not released the identities of those killed in Saturday's operations.