Pakistani security forces killed at least 145 alleged fighters in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan during an extensive manhunt launched after coordinated morning attacks on Saturday. The government's announcement on Sunday followed assaults across multiple locations that killed approximately 50 people, including 31 civilians and 17 security personnel, according to initial reports.
The banned separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault, which prompted authorities to impose stringent security restrictions across the province. These measures reportedly include banning public gatherings and limiting traffic movement, emphasizing a significant escalation in the long-running insurgency seeking greater regional autonomy.
Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial chief minister, confirmed the casualty figures during a press briefing in Quetta, stating that troops killed 145 members of what the government terms “Fitna al-Hindustan,” referring to the BLA. Bugti asserted that the number of fighters killed over the two-day period represented the highest single-instance toll in decades.
Bugti further alleged that some of the deceased fighters were Afghan nationals and claimed that the assailants intended to seize hostages but were prevented from reaching the city center. The military stated that 92 fighters were killed on Saturday, with an additional 41 neutralized on Friday following pre-emptive operations based on received intelligence reports.
Islamabad also directed accusations toward neighboring Afghanistan and India for allegedly supporting the militants operating from Afghan territory, claims both New Delhi and Kabul firmly deny. India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson rejected the assertions, urging Islamabad to address internal grievances in Balochistan rather than deflecting blame.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s poorest region, has experienced protracted violence stemming from ethnic Baloch demands for increased control over local natural resources. The BLA frequently targets Pakistani security infrastructure but has also attacked civilians, including Chinese nationals working on regional infrastructure projects.
The United States condemned the violence, with its charge d’affaires expressing solidarity with Pakistan and reaffirming the BLA's designation as a foreign terrorist organization. The security situation remains tense as authorities maintain heightened patrols and movement restrictions across the affected districts.
