At least 92 militants were killed on Saturday during clashes with Pakistan’s security forces across multiple cities in Balochistan, according to the military.
The operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb militant activity in the southwestern province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan and has long been affected by a separatist insurgency.
During the clearance operations, 15 security personnel lost their lives, while militants also targeted civilians in several areas, killing at least 18 people, including women and children.
The banned separatist group, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks, stating that they had launched strikes simultaneously across the province. The BLA claimed it had killed 84 Pakistani security personnel, and that the attacks continued for 15 hours.
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The military’s media wing, ISPR, said the attacks were carried out by Indian-sponsored militants, but security forces successfully prevented any attempt to seize control of cities or strategic locations.
“Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed that the attacks were orchestrated and directed by terrorist leaders operating from outside Pakistan, who were in direct communication with the terrorists throughout the incident,” the military statement said.
This wave of violence comes a day after Pakistani forces announced that 41 militants were killed in separate raids in Balochistan, reflecting the ongoing conflict between security forces and insurgent groups.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s emotional address emphasized that the government will not show mercy to those involved and vowed a strong response to prevent future attacks.
The recent incidents underscore Balochistan’s ongoing security challenges, highlighting the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated action by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
