145 armed militants killed in Balochistan security operation

International Desk, PNN

In Pakistan’s southwestern volatile province of Balochistan, at least 145 armed militants were killed in a security operation following recent coordinated gun and bomb attacks, authorities said. The attacks, which killed around 50 people a day earlier, prompted the announcement on Sunday.

The attacks on Saturday morning across multiple districts killed 31 civilians, including five women, and 17 security personnel. Subsequently, the security forces launched a large-scale operation.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti told journalists in Quetta that 145 members of the armed group "Fitna al-Hindustan" were killed in a joint army and police operation. The government claims this term refers to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He stated that some of the deceased militants were Afghan citizens.

Bugti noted that the number of militants killed over the two days was the highest in decades. He added that intelligence had allowed security forces to take some preparatory measures before the attacks. According to Pakistan Army, 41 militants were killed on Friday and 92 on Saturday.

The banned separatist group BLA claimed responsibility for the attacks. Following the incident, the provincial government imposed strict security measures, prohibiting public gatherings, demonstrations, imposing movement restrictions, and banning face coverings in public.

The Pakistani government accused foreign support for the attacks. Chief Minister Bugti alleged that India-backed terrorists were involved and that BLA leaders operate from Afghanistan, which India and Afghanistan both denied.

Balochistan is one of Pakistan’s poorest provinces. Armed insurgency demanding autonomy and fair distribution of natural resources has persisted for decades. BLA regularly targets security forces and civilians working on development projects.

The latest attacks occurred nearly simultaneously in Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Noshki, including shooting at security installations, attempted suicide attacks, and obstruction of key roads. In Quetta, burnt vehicles, damaged police facilities, and blocked roads were visible.

Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said some attacks involved female militants and that recent incidents increasingly targeted ordinary people and laborers. The United States condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Pakistan, listing BLA as a foreign terrorist organization.