ISLAMABAD: Security forces in Balochistan have conducted intensiveoperations resulting in the elimination of 133 militants over two days,according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’smedia wing reported that 41 militants were neutralised inintelligence-based operations on Friday in Panjgur and Harnai districts,followed by the killing of 92 militants, including three suicide bombers,on Saturday during coordinated attacks across multiple locations. Thesefigures highlight a significant escalation in counter-terrorism effortsamid rising separatist violence in the province.
The attacks on Saturday targeted various cities and towns, includingQuetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, andPasni. Militants, described by the ISPR as belonging to Indian-sponsoredgroups such as Fitna al-Hindustan, attempted to disrupt public orderthrough assaults on security installations, civilians, and law enforcementpersonnel. Security forces responded swiftly with clearance operations,successfully repulsing the threats and inflicting heavy losses on theattackers.
Casualties among security personnel stood at 15, with these individualsdescribed as having embraced martyrdom while defending the province. Theoperations demonstrated the resolve of the armed forces and law enforcementagencies in countering coordinated militant activities. Official statementsemphasised that timely and effective action prevented greater damage tocivilian infrastructure and populations in the affected areas.
Civilian losses were particularly tragic, with 18 non-combatants killedduring the Saturday assaults, including women and children. These deathsoccurred amid attempts by militants to target vulnerable groups, such aspassengers on highways and local residents in districts like Gwadar andKharan. Authorities condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians,underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence perpetrated bybanned organisations.
In a specific incident in Kharan, militants attacked the residence of MirShahid Gul Malazai, chairman of the Malazai Qaumi Ittehad. Local policeconfirmed that Mir Shahid Gul and six others lost their lives in theassault. The attackers set fire to the house and vehicles, exacerbating theimpact on the affected family and community. This targeted killing hasdrawn attention to the vulnerability of local leaders and civilians in theongoing insurgency.
The total militant fatalities over the two-day period reached 133, markingone of the most substantial blows to insurgent networks in recentoperations. The ISPR highlighted the involvement of groups linked toexternal sponsorship, reiterating allegations of foreign backing forseparatist elements aiming to destabilise Balochistan. Such claims havebeen consistently made in official communications regarding the province’ssecurity challenges.
Balochistan has long faced a separatist insurgency, with groups like theBalochistan Liberation Army claiming responsibility for attacks on securityforces and infrastructure projects. Recent violence coincides with broaderregional dynamics, including development initiatives such as theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which militants have historicallyopposed. The latest operations reflect intensified military efforts tosecure the province and protect developmental progress.
President and Prime Minister have praised the security forces for theirbravery and effectiveness in neutralising threats. Condemnations frominternational partners, including the United States and United Kingdom,have supported Pakistan’s stance against terrorism while expressingsolidarity with victims. These responses underscore the global concern overescalating militancy in the region.
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The suspension of mobile data services in parts of Quetta and other areasfollowing the attacks indicates measures to curb coordination amongmilitants. Clearance operations continue to ensure the restoration ofnormalcy, with authorities focusing on dismantling hideouts and recoveringarms and explosives. The military has vowed to pursue remaining elementsresponsible for the violence.
Analysts view these events as part of a persistent low-intensity conflictexacerbated by socio-economic grievances and external influences. The highnumber of militant casualties suggests improved intelligence andoperational capabilities of security forces. However, civilian deathshighlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies addressing rootcauses alongside military responses.
Ongoing operations in Balochistan aim to restore peace and stability, withemphasis on protecting civilian lives and infrastructure. The ISPR’sdetailed reporting serves to inform the public about the scale of threatsand the determination to counter them decisively.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1970314
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