A series of gun and bomb attacks across Pakistan's south-western Balochistan province have killed 31 civilians and 17 security service personnel, the region's Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti says. Security forces responding to the violence killed at least 145 attackers during a 40-hour gun battle, he said. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebel group had earlier said it was behind the attacks, claiming dozens of soldiers were killed.
This surge in violence marks a significant escalation in the long-standing battles between the Pakistani government and separatist groups within this resource-rich but impoverished province. Islamabad has accused India of supporting the BLA, a claim that Delhi has consistently denied.
Targets of the attacks included hospitals, schools, banks, and markets, with attackers disguising themselves as civilians while targeting ordinary people. There were attempts to conduct suicide bombings and obstruct urban areas with gunfire. Routine communications were disrupted, and mobile services were jammed, highlighting the severe impact on daily life.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended the military's efforts and declared a commitment to eradicate terrorism within the region. The BLA asserts it launched a coordinated operation termed 'Herof' or 'black storm,' claiming high casualty rates against security forces and alleging that the Pakistani government exploits the province's resources without benefiting local residents. Activists in the region have expressed concerns over enforced disappearances attributed to security forces, which the government denies.
Balochistan constitutes nearly 44% of Pakistan's territory and is endowed with significant natural resources, yet it remains one of the poorest regions, home to just 5% of the country's population.
This surge in violence marks a significant escalation in the long-standing battles between the Pakistani government and separatist groups within this resource-rich but impoverished province. Islamabad has accused India of supporting the BLA, a claim that Delhi has consistently denied.
Targets of the attacks included hospitals, schools, banks, and markets, with attackers disguising themselves as civilians while targeting ordinary people. There were attempts to conduct suicide bombings and obstruct urban areas with gunfire. Routine communications were disrupted, and mobile services were jammed, highlighting the severe impact on daily life.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended the military's efforts and declared a commitment to eradicate terrorism within the region. The BLA asserts it launched a coordinated operation termed 'Herof' or 'black storm,' claiming high casualty rates against security forces and alleging that the Pakistani government exploits the province's resources without benefiting local residents. Activists in the region have expressed concerns over enforced disappearances attributed to security forces, which the government denies.
Balochistan constitutes nearly 44% of Pakistan's territory and is endowed with significant natural resources, yet it remains one of the poorest regions, home to just 5% of the country's population.
