Five terrorists have been killed and three others injured in intelligence-based operations conducted by security forces across several districts in Balochistan, the military’s media affairs wing reported on Friday.
The recent escalation in violence saw militants from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launching multiple attacks on Sunday night. These attacks targeted both security personnel and civilians, resulting in significant casualties and destruction.
At least 50 people, including 14 security personnel, were killed as militants rampaged through the province. Their actions included assaults on police stations, sabotage of railway tracks, and arson that destroyed nearly 30 vehicles. In response, security forces killed 21 militants.
Notably, 23 people, mostly Punjab laborers, were murdered in Musakhail after being identified and separated from their vehicles.
In reaction to these attacks, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that extensive IBOs are underway to track down those responsible. During operations on the night of August 29/30 in the districts of Kech, Panjgur, and Zhob, security forces eliminated five terrorists and injured three others in intense firefights.
The ISPR emphasized that operations would continue until all those involved in these acts of violence are brought to justice, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and progress in Balochistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have both stressed the need for a strong response to terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has pledged support to the Balochistan government, and PM Sharif recently visited the region to evaluate the security situation.
There has been a notable rise in terror attacks recently. On August 19, security forces eliminated three terrorists responsible for the death of Panjgur’s deputy commissioner in Mastung. Additionally, an infiltration attempt at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Bajaur district resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and five terrorists.
Since August 20, extensive IBOs in Khyber have resulted in the neutralization of 25 terrorists and injuries to 11 others. The surge in attacks, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, follows the TTP’s breach of a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022.
According to a recent security report, Pakistan experienced 1,524 fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023, the highest in six years. Islamabad has accused Kabul of allowing the TTP to operate from Afghan territory, though the Taliban administration has denied these allegations.
