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Security –  Pakistani security forces have concluded an extended military operation in Balochistan following a wave of deadly, coordinated attacks that targeted civilians and security personnel across several districts. Officials say the operation, which lasted nearly 40 hours, was launched in response to gun and bomb assaults that marked one of the most violent episodes the province has seen in recent years.

Security Operation and Casualty Figures

Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that a total of 145 people were killed during the security crackdown carried out by Pakistani forces. Among those fatalities, authorities identified 92 individuals as militants involved in the attacks. The operation also resulted in the deaths of 15 civilians, highlighting the severe human toll of the violence.

According to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, the security action was aimed at dismantling armed networks responsible for the attacks and restoring stability across affected areas. The fighting unfolded across multiple locations as forces responded to what officials described as well-planned and synchronized assaults.

Losses Among Security Personnel

The violence also claimed the lives of personnel from multiple security agencies. Chief Minister Bugti confirmed that 17 members of law enforcement agencies, including police units and the Frontier Corps, were killed during the attacks. In addition, one navy official also lost his life.

In total, at least 31 people were reported dead in the initial attacks before the military operation was launched. Several others sustained injuries, with some reported to be in serious condition. Emergency services and hospitals across the province were placed on high alert as casualties were brought in from different districts.

Attacks Targeted Public Spaces

Pakistan’s junior interior minister, Talal Chaudhry, provided details about the nature of the attacks, stating that assailants disguised themselves as civilians to gain access to public places. According to the minister, attackers entered locations such as hospitals, schools, banks, and marketplaces before opening fire.

Chaudhry said the attackers deliberately targeted ordinary citizens going about their daily activities, creating widespread panic and fear. He also alleged that militants used civilians as human shields during the assaults, complicating rescue and response efforts by security forces.

Claim of Responsibility by Separatist Group

Responsibility for the attacks was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group operating in the region. In a statement, the group said it had carried out a coordinated operation it named Herof, translated as “black storm,” aimed at security forces stationed across Balochistan.

The group further claimed that more than 80 members of Pakistan’s security forces were killed during the violence and that 18 personnel were taken captive. These claims have not been independently verified by Pakistani authorities, who have disputed several figures released by the group.

Longstanding Conflict in Balochistan

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has faced a prolonged insurgency for decades. Despite its vast reserves of natural gas, minerals, and other resources, it remains the country’s poorest region. Ethnic Baloch separatist groups have long demanded greater political autonomy and a larger share of revenues generated from local resources.

The recent surge in violence underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in maintaining security in the province, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan. Attacks in the region have frequently targeted security forces, infrastructure projects, and, increasingly, civilian areas.

Officials say security operations will continue as intelligence-based actions are carried out to prevent further attacks and restore order. Meanwhile, the federal and provincial governments have reiterated their commitment to addressing both security concerns and long-standing development issues in Balochistan.