Pakistani security forces have reported that 145 militants were killed during a 40-hour battle following a series of coordinated gun and bomb attacks in Balochistan, resulting in nearly 50 casualties, as stated by the province’s chief minister on Sunday. The insurgents in the resource-rich province bordering Iran and Afghanistan have escalated their attacks on security forces, civilians, and infrastructure, leading to one of the deadliest outbreaks in years.
Disguised as ordinary civilians, the attackers infiltrated hospitals, schools, banks, and markets, indiscriminately targeting people working in these establishments, according to Pakistan’s junior interior minister, Talal Chaudhry. The militants exploited civilians as human shields during the assaults. The Baloch Liberation Army, a banned separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, code-named Herof or “black storm,” aiming at security forces across the province.
The aftermath of the attacks was evident in Quetta, the provincial capital, with burnt-out vehicles, bullet-riddled doors, and security forces intensifying patrols and restricting movement. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti reported that 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians lost their lives in the attacks. Pakistan’s military confirmed the deaths of 92 militants on Saturday and 41 on Friday.
The insurgency in Balochistan has been ongoing for decades, led by ethnic Baloch separatists seeking increased autonomy and a greater share of the province’s natural resources. The group claimed to have killed 84 security force members and captured 18 others, a claim that could not be independently verified by Reuters.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif mentioned that female perpetrators were involved in two of the attacks, and militants were increasingly targeting civilians and low-income communities. The military stated that security forces successfully thwarted attempts by militants to seize control of cities or strategic installations.
Pakistan accused “Indian-sponsored militants” of carrying out the attacks, a claim that India vehemently denied, labeling it as baseless and aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan’s internal issues. The United States condemned the attacks as acts of terrorism, expressing solidarity with Pakistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army is recognized by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.
Despite facing periodic attacks by Islamist militants in other regions, Pakistan is now grappling with the aftermath of this coordinated assault in Balochistan.