Pakistan Claims 88 Militants Killed in Balochistan
Pakistan has claimed that its security forces killed at least 88 militants during a major crackdown in Balochistan following a series of deadly attacks on police, soldiers and civilians. The reported toll has not been independently verified.
Pakistan Claims 88 Militants Killed
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said nine militants were killed during the latest 24 hours, raising the number reported killed since July 5 to 88.
The campaign, described by Pakistani authorities as “Operation Shaban,” involves the army, Frontier Corps and other security units. Ground and aerial operations have reportedly targeted suspected militant hideouts across Balochistan.
Authorities said the crackdown would continue against armed groups and those accused of sheltering or assisting them.
Balochistan Attacks Kill Security Personnel
The operation followed several attacks across the province. Militants reportedly assaulted a police checkpoint near Mangi Dam in Ziarat district, killing nine officers and abducting 18 others.
The bodies of the abducted policemen were later recovered from the mountainous Zarghoon Gar area near Ziarat.
Another attack targeted a military vehicle on a Balochistan highway, killing 11 soldiers. Pakistan’s military said 42 people, mostly police and military personnel, were killed during three major attacks during the week.
Families Demand Justice and Security
Families of the slain police officers staged protests near Quetta and initially refused to bury several victims until authorities provided assurances regarding justice and improved security.
Balochistan has faced a decades-long separatist insurgency. Baloch groups accuse Pakistan’s federal government of exploiting the province’s mineral resources while failing to provide adequate development and political representation.
Pakistan frequently accuses foreign governments of supporting Baloch militants, allegations that those countries deny.
