Quetta: Pakistan’s security establishment reported a significant counter-insurgency operation in the southwestern province of Balochistan, saying that its forces have killed 145 militants over roughly 40 hours of intense engagements with armed groups after a string of coordinated assaults, provincial authorities stated on Sunday. The flare-up marks one of the most violent episodes in the region in recent memory and highlights persistent security challenges facing Islamabad in this strategically important but volatile province.
Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti told reporters that joint operations involving the army, police and paramilitary units spanned multiple districts, responding to simultaneous militant attacks on security posts and infrastructure. The operations followed a wave of violence that began on Saturday, in which armed groups struck targets across cities and towns, prompting widespread emergency measures and combat responses.
Officials described the militants’ offensive as broad in scope, launched in various parts of Balochistan including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung and other districts though detailed breakdowns of the individual engagements were not provided. Security forces reported substantial militant casualties as they pressed clearance operations in both urban and remote areas.
The latest figures build on earlier military statements from Saturday that reported 92 militants killed in clashes the previous day, indicating that the operations have been ongoing and highly dynamic. In addition to militants, previous reports indicated that the violence also led to losses among security personnel and civilians, underlining the human cost of the unrest.
The Balochistan conflict has long been marked by a low-intensity separatist insurgency, primarily led by groups such as the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which have repeatedly targeted security forces, infrastructure and civilians in pursuit of greater autonomy and control over local resources. Coordinated attacks on this scale remain relatively rare but reflect the deep-rooted grievances and organizational reach of armed factions in the region.
Pakistan’s military and provincial leaders have reiterated their commitment to restoring stability and security, with ongoing operations aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing further large-scale attacks. Hospitals in multiple districts were placed on high alert during the height of the fighting, and authorities scrambled to secure key transportation and administrative hubs as the situation evolved.
The province of Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, remains one of Pakistan’s most complex security environments due to its ethnic insurgency, economic marginalization and proximity to international frontiers. As operations continue, officials have pledged sustained vigilance and expanded counter-terrorism efforts to quell unrest and protect civilians.