Escalating violence in Balochistan leaves 18 soldiers and 24 fighters dead.
Attack on Security Forces
A Baloch separatist attack in southwestern Pakistan killed at least 18 paramilitary soldiers and 24 fighters, marking another violent escalation in the troubled region. The deadly ambush occurred when armed fighters opened fire on a vehicle carrying Frontier Corps personnel who were clearing roadblocks in Balochistan.
According to security officials, a group of 70 to 80 militants launched the attack near the town of Mangochar. Three soldiers sustained serious injuries, while two managed to escape unhurt.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, reporting a slightly lower casualty count of 17 soldiers killed. The Pakistani military responded with “clearance operations,” eliminating at least 11 militants.
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Government Condemns the Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack. Officials emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating separatist threats, vowing to intensify security measures in Balochistan.
Balochistan, a mineral-rich province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has long been a hotspot for insurgency. Ethnic Baloch separatist groups have fought for independence, accusing the government of resource exploitation and political marginalization.
Rising Wave of Violence
This incident is part of a broader surge in attacks across Pakistan. Earlier this week, security forces thwarted a car bombing attempt near the Afghan border. In January, a separate BLA attack killed six people, while a coordinated assault in November resulted in 39 deaths.
The violence peaked in August when Baloch separatists carried out a series of strikes on police stations, highways, and railway lines, killing at least 73 people. Pakistani forces responded with large-scale counteroperations.
Tensions with Afghanistan
Pakistan’s security concerns extend beyond Balochistan. Attacks have surged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with border clashes escalating. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government remain strained, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militant groups.
In 2024 alone, Pakistan’s military reported 383 soldiers and 925 militants killed in clashes across border regions.
Security Measures Tightened
Authorities are ramping up military operations in response to the rising threats. Pakistan’s leadership remains firm in its stance against separatist movements, vowing to strengthen counterterrorism efforts.
As the region braces for more unrest, security forces continue to battle insurgents, trying to restore stability in one of Pakistan’s most volatile provinces.
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