Security forces killed 18 terrorists during a security operation in Balochistan’s Surab district after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated prematurely, the military’s media wing, ISPR, said on Wednesday.

According to the ISPR statement, the explosives-laden vehicle exploded while militants were preparing it on the morning of August 12. The premature blast killed eight terrorists and injured several others.

Security forces and Balochistan Police subsequently reached the site and launched a joint clearance operation to track down the militants and their facilitators. During the operation, troops detected the movement of fleeing terrorists and engaged them, killing another 10, ISPR said.

The military said the blast and a secondary explosion involving explosives stored at the site also resulted in the deaths of three nearby civilians. Two soldiers were injured during an exchange of fire with the militants.

The ISPR said sanitisation operations were continuing to ensure that no remaining terrorists were present in the area.

The military described the operation as part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. Authorities said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations against what the state describes as foreign-sponsored terrorism.

The latest operation comes amid increased militant activity in Balochistan, where security forces have conducted a series of intelligence-driven operations in recent weeks.