ISLAMABAD: The United States has issued a strong condemnation of the recentterrorist attacks in Balochistan province, where coordinated assaults bythe banned Balochistan Liberation Army resulted in significant casualtiesamong security personnel and civilians. Charge d’Affaires Natalie Bakerdescribed the incidents as acts of terrorist violence and highlighted thatthe BLA is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the UnitedStates. She stressed that the Pakistani people deserve to live free fromviolence and fear, underscoring Washington’s commitment to supportingPakistan’s efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The attacks, which occurred on January 31, involved multiple suicidebombings, gun assaults, and grenade attacks targeting police stations,paramilitary installations, prisons, and civilians across severaldistricts, including areas near Quetta. Official reports indicate that 15security personnel and 18 civilians, including women and children, losttheir lives in the violence. Security forces responded swiftly, conductingclearance operations that neutralized 92 assailants, marking one of themost intense counterterrorism engagements in recent years in the province.
Pakistan’s military has described the perpetrators as elements linked toFitna al-Hindustan, a term used to denote India-backed terrorist groups,though international reports primarily attribute the claims to the BLA. TheBLA asserted responsibility for the coordinated strikes, which analystsview as an escalation in the long-standing separatist insurgency inBalochistan. The province has faced persistent militancy driven by demandsfor greater autonomy and resource control, amid accusations of externalinterference.
In her statement, Natalie Baker extended deepest sympathies and condolencesto the victims, their families, and all affected individuals. She affirmedthat the United States stands in solidarity with Pakistan during thisdifficult period, reiterating its partnership in countering terrorism. Thisposition aligns with broader international reactions, as several countries,including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Qatar, have similarly condemned theattacks and expressed support for Islamabad’s security measures.
The incidents have drawn attention to the ongoing security challenges inBalochistan, a mineral-rich region bordering Afghanistan and Iran. Over thepast 48 hours, security operations reportedly eliminated more than 130militants in total, demonstrating the scale of the response. Authoritieshave emphasized that such violence will not deter ongoing efforts toeradicate terrorism and restore normalcy, with commitments to protectcivilian lives and infrastructure.
The United States’ condemnation carries particular weight given its priordesignation of the BLA as a terrorist entity, reflecting shared concernsover regional instability. Baker’s remarks reinforce bilateral cooperationin counterterrorism, which has included intelligence sharing andcapacity-building initiatives. This support is viewed as crucial amidPakistan’s multifaceted security threats from separatist and other militantgroups.
Experts note that coordinated attacks of this magnitude are rare,highlighting the evolving tactics of insurgent groups in Balochistan. Thetargeting of both security forces and civilians underscores theindiscriminate nature of the violence, prompting renewed calls forcomprehensive strategies to address root causes, including socioeconomicdisparities and governance issues in the province.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that external actors facilitate suchterrorism, a claim repeatedly denied by accused parties. Nevertheless, theswift military response and high number of militants neutralized have beenpresented as evidence of resolve in defending national sovereignty andpublic safety. International solidarity, as expressed by the United States,is seen as bolstering these efforts.
The events have prompted discussions on enhancing border security andregional cooperation to prevent cross-border support for militants. Withcondemnations from multiple nations, there is growing consensus onrejecting terrorism in all forms while supporting Pakistan’s pursuit oflasting peace in Balochistan.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1970406/us-condemns-balochistan-attacks-remains-pakistans-steadfast-partner-in-efforts-to-ensure-peace-envoy
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