Pakistani security forces have reported the elimination of 145 militants during a 40-hour confrontation following a series of coordinated gun and bomb assaults in Balochistan that resulted in nearly 50 casualties, as disclosed by the province’s chief minister on Sunday. Balochistan, a province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is experiencing one of the most severe escalations in violence in recent years, with insurgents intensifying attacks on security forces, civilians, and infrastructure in the resource-rich area.
The attackers, disguised as ordinary citizens, infiltrated hospitals, schools, banks, and markets on Saturday, indiscriminately targeting individuals, as detailed by Pakistan’s junior interior minister, Talal Chaudhry. The assailants utilized civilians as human shields during the assaults. The Baloch Liberation Army, a banned separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, describing the operation as “Herof” or “black storm,” aimed at security forces throughout the province.
In the aftermath of the attacks in Quetta, the provincial capital, the scene displayed burnt-out vehicles, damaged police stations, and cordoned-off streets, with security forces intensifying patrols and restricting movement to enhance security measures. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that the militant attacks resulted in the deaths of 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians. Pakistan’s military reported the elimination of 92 militants on Saturday and 41 on Friday.
According to Bugti, pre-emptive operations were initiated based on intelligence reports anticipating such attacks. This recent incident marks the highest number of militants eradicated within a short timeframe since the insurgency escalated, although comparative figures were not provided. The coordinated attacks targeted various districts in Balochistan, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Noshki, with armed individuals targeting security installations, attempting suicide bombings, and obstructing urban roads.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and least affluent province, has been grappling with a prolonged insurgency led by ethnic Baloch separatists striving for increased autonomy and resource rights. The claim by the separatist group of killing security personnel and capturing others remains unverified, with the military yet to respond to the assertion. Pakistan’s Defence Minister highlighted that civilians, laborers, and low-income communities are increasingly becoming targets of militant attacks.
Pakistan’s military attributed the assaults to “Indian-sponsored militants,” an allegation refuted by India, which accused Pakistan of diverting attention from its internal challenges. The United States condemned the attacks, labeling them as terrorist acts and expressing solidarity with Pakistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army holds the designation of a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
While terrorist activities have targeted Pakistan in various regions, including factions associated with the Pakistani Taliban, the recent surge of violence in Balochistan underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the nation.
