Pakistani security forces have killed at least 145 extremists in Balochistan following coordinated attacks by separatist militants that left nearly 50 people dead, including 31 civilians and 17 security personnel.
The assaults, claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), began early Saturday at multiple locations across southwestern Balochistan. The attacks prompted authorities to impose months-long security restrictions, including bans on public gatherings, demonstrations, and the use of face coverings that conceal identity. Mobile networks were also jammed to curb communications among assailants.
Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial chief minister, said troops and police responded swiftly, targeting members of what the government calls “Fitna al-Hindustan,” its term for the BLA. He described the operation as the largest elimination of militants in decades, adding that some of those killed were Afghan nationals.
Bugti alleged that the attackers, described as “Indian-backed terrorists,” had planned to take hostages in Quetta but were stopped before reaching the city center. He also accused Afghanistan of sheltering senior BLA leaders, claims that Kabul and New Delhi both deny.
Security forces continue clearance operations in the province as authorities maintain heightened vigilance to prevent further attacks.
