In a significant escalation of violence, Pakistani security forces have neutralized at least 145 militants in the troubled Balochistan province following a series of coordinated attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 50 individuals. This operation was triggered by attacks on Saturday that left 31 civilians, including five women, and 17 security personnel dead.
The series of assaults, attributed to the separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), led to the implementation of extensive security measures across Balochistan, which included restrictions on public gatherings, demonstrations, and traffic. Notably, the government has also mandated a prohibition on face coverings that obscure personal identification in public venues.
Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti reported that the swift military response resulted in the deaths of 145 members of what he referred to as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a term used by the Pakistani government to describe the BLA. Bugti highlighted that this surge in fatalities marks one of the highest tolls in decades.
Bugti further emphasized the intelligence gathering that foreshadowed these operations, stating that the killings occurred as a result of preemptive measures taken by security forces a day prior to the attacks. According to official reports, 92 militants were killed on Saturday, and an additional 41 were eliminated on Friday. Bugti suggested that some of the deceased militants were Afghan nationals, and he accused them of attempting to take hostages, claiming they were thwarted before reaching their intended target in the city.
Critics, however, expressed concern over the approach taken, with India categorically rejecting the allegations of its involvement in backing the BLA. The official spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs accused Pakistan of diverting attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan remains Pakistan’s most underdeveloped province, with long-standing issues related to poverty, violence, and demands for increased autonomy from ethnic Baloch groups seeking greater control over local resources. The BLA has consistently targeted Pakistani security forces and has been involved in attacks against civilians, including foreign nationals working on development projects in the region.
The recent coordinated assaults, which occurred almost simultaneously across several districts including Quetta, Gwadar, and Noshki, featured armed combatants striking security installations and attempting suicide bombings. This involved attackers disguising themselves as civilians to infiltrate various public areas, including shops and schools, raising concerns about safety among local populations.
As security forces increase their presence and surveillance in the aftermath of these attacks, the local community remains tense, with businesses shutting down and residents expressing apprehensions about further violence. The situation continues to unfold as authorities strive to maintain order in a historically volatile region.
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