QUETTA: Security forces have killed 45 militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army in recent intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, taking the total number of militants killed in the province this year to around 600, according to security sources.
The internationally designated terrorist group BLA, which Pakistani officials refer to as “Fitna al Hindustan,” launched coordinated attacks on multiple locations across Balochistan on January 31 under what it called “Herof 2.0.”
Security officials said the attacks failed to achieve their objectives and resulted in the deaths of more than 344 militants, while hundreds more were injured.
Following the failed operation, officials said the group shifted to hit-and-run tactics across remote areas of the province.
Security sources said militants were exploiting Balochistan’s vast terrain, sparse population and long road networks to carry out small-scale attacks before retreating into civilian areas.
Officials say the militants of disguising themselves as civilians and shepherds, using unmanned routes and later amplifying limited attacks through social media propaganda.
Authorities said security forces had intensified counterterrorism operations across the province in response.
According to security officials, more than 200 intelligence-based operations are being conducted daily across different parts of Balochistan.
In the last two days alone, security forces killed more than 45 militants during separate operations, officials said.
Security sources added that several senior militant commanders had also been killed in recent months. They identified them as Saqib Marri alias Sheeda, killed on February 2; Naeem alias Doctor, killed on March 5; Sohail Baloch alias Gurg Baloch, killed on March 17; Mehran Lashari, killed on April 25; and Sangat Salal alias Major Noora, killed on May 2.
Officials said authorities were also accelerating capacity-building efforts for the former Levies force, now integrated into the provincial police system, while expanding technical surveillance capabilities.
Security officials said the militants had increasingly shifted toward softer civilian targets after facing setbacks in direct attacks.
Authorities accused the group of torching cargo trucks, looting banks and abducting labourers and civilians in different parts of the province.
Officials also referred to the recent disappearance of senior officials from University of Gwadar as an example of growing militant desperation.
Security officials claimed militant violence had damaged the group’s standing among local communities and said public participation in pro-state engagement programmes and rallies reflected growing opposition to militant activity in the province.
Officials further said Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagement had unsettled hostile networks seeking to undermine the country through militancy and disinformation campaigns.
Security authorities said counterterrorism operations would continue across Balochistan until militant networks were dismantled.
