Pakistan’s security forces have killed a total of 145 militants following a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan. This operation, which lasted over 40 hours, marks one of the most severe escalations in violence in recent years. The attacks have highlighted the ongoing insurgency in the resource-rich province, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan.
The chief minister of Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, announced during a press conference in Quetta that the death toll includes militants killed during raids on Friday and Saturday, alongside those eliminated in ongoing clearance operations. On Saturday alone, the military reported that 92 militants were killed. Bugti indicated that this total represents the highest number of militants killed in such a short period since the insurgency intensified, although he did not provide comparative figures.
The recent violence has also claimed the lives of 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians, demonstrating the widespread impact of these attacks. Balochistan, being Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, has been entrenched in a decades-long conflict led by ethnic Baloch separatists who are advocating for greater autonomy and a more significant share of the area’s natural resources.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a banned separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they launched a coordinated operation dubbed “Herof,” or “black storm,” targeting security forces throughout the province. In response, Pakistan’s military accused the attackers of being supported by “Indian-sponsored militants.” This assertion has been firmly rejected by India, with Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry, calling the allegations “baseless.” He urged Pakistan to focus on addressing “long-standing demands of its people in the region.”
The violence erupted simultaneously across several districts, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Noshki. In light of the attacks, hospitals in various areas were placed on emergency footing. The military confirmed that security forces successfully repelled attempts by militants to seize control of any city or strategic installation.
Pakistan has experienced sporadic attacks from Islamist militant groups in other regions, including factions linked to the Pakistani Taliban. The recent surge in violence underscores the persistent challenges faced by the authorities in stabilizing Balochistan and addressing the underlying grievances that fuel the ongoing insurgency.
