ISLAMABAD: A powerful bomb explosion rocked Quetta on Saturday as part of aseries of coordinated terrorist assaults across Balochistan, promptingswift security responses that resulted in significant militant casualtieswhile claiming lives among law enforcement personnel. Balochistan ChiefMinister Sarfraz Bugti visited the blast site to assess the situationfirsthand, receiving a detailed briefing from Inspector General of PoliceMuhammad Tahir Khan and meeting deployed security and police teams, asauthorities intensified operations against anti-state elements followingthe incidents.
The attack in Quetta involved a bomb detonation, contributing to broadermilitant efforts targeting multiple locations including police stations,paramilitary installations and other sensitive sites in districts such asNoshki, Dalbandin, Kalat, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump and Mastung. Security sourcesreported that these synchronized attempts were largely thwarted, leading tointense skirmishes and follow-up actions by forces. Initial reportsindicated grenade attacks on police vehicles in the provincial capital,alongside explosions and gunfire that disrupted normal activities in partsof the Red Zone, temporarily halting operations at the Civil Secretariat,courts and some government offices.
Casualty figures from the engagements remain fluid but point to heavylosses on the militant side, with security officials confirming at least 58terrorists eliminated in ongoing operations, while 10 security personnelwere martyred in defense efforts. Earlier accounts varied, with somesources citing 37 militants killed initially and higher numbers emerging asclashes persisted. The chief minister highlighted in statements that over70 terrorists had been neutralized in the past two days alone, underscoringthe scale of the counterterrorism drive amid persistent threats in theprovince.
Chief Minister Bugti commended the rapid and effective response by policeand the Counter-Terrorism Department during his site visit, describingtheir actions against terrorist elements as highly commendable andreflective of bravery under pressure. He emphasized zero tolerance foranti-state activities, asserting that such elements would face unrelentingpursuit without forgiveness or compromise. His remarks reinforced theprovincial government’s commitment to restoring and maintaining peace,assuring citizens that sacrifices by security forces and civilians wouldnot be in vain.
The incidents occurred against a backdrop of recurring violence inBalochistan, where separatist groups and other outlawed outfits havefrequently targeted security installations and public spaces. Data servicesfaced suspension in Quetta, Sibi and Chaman regions following the attacks,though mobile voice services continued, indicating precautionary measuresto curb potential coordination among militants. Authorities designatedcertain Balochistan-based groups under labels highlighting externalinfluences, amid allegations of foreign involvement in fueling instability.
In broader context, the coordinated nature of the assaults, spanning nearlya dozen sites, represents one of the more extensive operations attempted inrecent times, though security preparedness appeared to limit their impactsignificantly. Health officials and provincial ministers provided updateson the ground situation, with reports of injuries from grenade blasts andother exchanges requiring hospital treatment. The chief minister’s on-siteengagement signals high-level political oversight of the security apparatusduring this critical period.
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Balochistan continues to grapple with complex security challenges stemmingfrom long-standing insurgencies, resource disputes and border-relateddynamics. Recent months have seen intensified military and law enforcementoperations, resulting in substantial militant casualties according toofficial tallies, including claims of over 700 terrorists eliminated insustained counterterrorism campaigns. These efforts aim to dismantlenetworks responsible for attacks on infrastructure, personnel and civilians.
The Quetta bomb blast and associated events have once again drawn nationalattention to the province’s volatility, prompting calls for sustainedvigilance and comprehensive strategies to address root causes. ChiefMinister Bugti’s firm stance against compromise on peace aligns withfederal priorities to stabilize the region through decisive action andcommunity engagement. As operations continue, authorities remain focused onneutralizing remaining threats and ensuring public safety.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1970100
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