QUETTA: Security forces thwarted coordinated militant attacks across multiple cities in Balochistan, killing at least 88 militants associated with the Indian proxy the Balochistan Liberation Army, officials said on Saturday.
At least 10 personnel of the security forces were also killed in these attacks backed by India and facilitated by Afghanistan.
Authorities said the BLA, referred as Fitna al Hindustan launched coordinated attacks at 12 points early morning across the province.” The operation targeted Quetta, Turbat, Pasni, Kalat, Panjgur, Nushki, Dalbandin, Mastung, and Gwadar.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Pakistan Army, Counter-Terrorism Department, police, and Frontier Corps, responded swiftly and thwarted the assaults, officials said and killed 51 terrorists. At least 88 total terrorists have been killed in the last 48 operations.
The attacks in the provincial capital of Quetta began at around 6am with a powerful explosion targeting a police Van, followed by intense gunfire that lasted for two hours along with multiple explosions.
The militants attempted to enter the city but police and other law enforcement agencies stopped them.
“The terrorists attacked a police mobile at Sariab road which resulted in the killing of two policemen,” he said. “Police and other law enforcement agencies denied space to the terrorists in Quetta city and killed four terrorists.
Quetta Attacks
The attacks in Quetta began around 6 am. A powerful explosion hit a police van on Sariab Road, followed by heavy gunfire and additional blasts. The exchange lasted nearly two hours, officials said.
Militants attempted to enter the city. Police and security forces blocked their advance.
“They attacked a police mobile and martyred two policemen,” the official said. “Security forces denied them space and killed four militants.”
Female Suicide Bomber Among Five Killed in Pasni Attack
Security forces also foiled the BLA attack on a Coast Guards post in Pasni. Alert troops responded immediately and killed eight suspected militants including a female suicide bomber, during an intense exchange of gunfire in the coastal town of Pasni.
Security forces launched follow-up search operations in the area. The hunt for remaining suspects continues.
Attacks Elsewhere
- Militants fired on the Frontier Corps headquarters in Nushki. Forces returned fire and forced them to flee.
- A suicide attack attempt targeted the FC headquarters in Dalbandin. Security forces surrounded the attackers. Fighting continued.
- Militants attacked the Deputy Commissioner’s office and police lines in Kalat. Forces repelled the assault. Gunfire continued for hours.
- Militants carried out a long-range firing attack on the Pakistan Coast Guards post in Pasni. Forces foiled the attack.
- In Gwadar, militants targeted a laborers’ colony. Police and FC responded and engaged the attackers.
- Militants also launched grenade and firing attacks on security posts in Balicha, Tump, and Mastung, all of which were repulsed.
Situation Under Control
Security officials said the situation is under control across all locations. Forces continue clearance operations. Officials reported two to three security personnel injured.
Authorities described the attacks as an attempt by the group to regain relevance after heavy militant losses in recent operations.
Residents in Dalbandin and Nushki reported hearing explosions and gunfire early Saturday. Similar reports emerged from Mastung, Gwadar, Pasni, and Turbat.
In a statement, the BLA claimed responsibility and confirmed the launch of Operation “Herof 2.0.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways suspended train services from Balochistan to other parts of the country for one day as a security precaution.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways suspended train service from Balochistan to other parts of the country for a day, following Saturday’s attacks.
