Security forces in Balochistan have eliminated four more militants in the ongoing Operation Shaban, raising the total death toll in the campaign to 83, according to state-run Pakistan TV. The operation, now in its third week, represents one of the largest coordinated military sweeps in the province this year. Main Developments The latest fatalities bring the combined count of militants killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations since July 5 to 121, the broadcaster reported on Tuesday. Troops from the army, Frontier Corps, police, and the Anti-Terrorism Force are jointly conducting the ground and air operations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for their continued successes, stating that the operation would persist "until the last terrorist is neutralised." In a statement on X, he described the campaign as a decisive blow against what the government calls Fitna-al-Hindustan—groups it accuses of being sponsored by India to carry out attacks on Pakistani soil. Read also: 3 reasons Pakistan's UNSC stance on Yemen matters for regional stability Background Operation Shaban was launched in retaliation for a deadly assault on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat, where armed attackers kidnapped and killed 27 police officers. The attack marked a significant escalation in insurgent activity in Balochistan, prompting a unified response from civil and military leadership. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the country's civil and military leadership had taken a "mutual and singular decision" to end terrorism following multiple major incidents in the province. The government has repeatedly linked insurgent groups in Balochistan to foreign sponsorship, though independent verification remains limited. Why It Matters The sustained operation underscores Pakistan's determination to regain control over restive areas of Balochistan, where separatist and militant groups have long challenged state authority. With over 120 militants reported killed in less than three weeks, the campaign signals a shift toward more aggressive, joint-force tactics that could reshape the security landscape in the province. For local communities, the operation raises concerns about civilian safety and displacement, though official statements have focused exclusively on militant casualties. The high tempo of operations also tests the capacity of security forces to maintain momentum while preventing collateral damage. What's Next Officials have indicated that Operation Shaban will continue until all remaining militants are eliminated, though no specific timeline has been provided. The interior minister has vowed that joint operations will persist until terrorism is eradicated, suggesting further intelligence-based raids and air strikes in the coming weeks. Open questions include whether the operation will expand to other districts, how the government plans to address the root causes of insurgency, and whether international partners will be briefed on the campaign's outcomes.