Pakistani security forces say they have killed at least 145 fighters in the southwestern province of Balochistan following a large-scale manhunt launched after coordinated gun and bomb attacks that killed nearly 50 people.
The announcement was made on Sunday, a day after the violence erupted across several districts in the restive province. Officials said the attacks, which began early Saturday, left 31 civilians — including five women — and 17 members of the security forces dead.
Attacks Prompt Province-Wide Security Clampdown
The assaults were claimed by the banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). In response, authorities imposed months-long security restrictions across Balochistan, including bans on public gatherings and demonstrations, along with limits on traffic movement.
Local media reported that additional measures prohibit the wearing of face coverings in public spaces to prevent concealment of identity.
Officials Cite Largest Operation in Decades
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti told reporters in Quetta that police and military units responded swiftly to the attacks, killing 145 fighters over two days.
He said the figure represented the highest number of fighters killed in such an operation in decades. Bugti added that the bodies of those killed were in government custody and claimed that some were Afghan nationals.
According to officials, Pakistan’s military killed 92 fighters on Saturday and another 41 on Friday, after intelligence agencies detected signs of an imminent assault and launched pre-emptive operations.
Allegations Against Neighbours Rejected
Bugti accused Afghanistan of harbouring senior BLA leaders and alleged Indian backing for the group. Both claims were rejected by Kabul and New Delhi.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the accusations as “baseless,” with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying Pakistan was attempting to divert attention from its internal challenges.
Targets Across Multiple Districts
Security officials said the attacks were launched almost simultaneously across the districts of Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung and Noshki. Armed fighters reportedly opened fire on security installations, attempted suicide bombings and temporarily blocked major roads.
A private security guard injured during the attack said the assault began shortly after midday, leaving visible damage to shops and public buildings.
Widespread Fear and Heightened Security
Reporting from Quetta, Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder described the attacks as “audacious,” saying fighters struck at more than a dozen locations, including within the provincial capital, while also disrupting key highways.
In the aftermath, burnt vehicles, bullet-damaged buildings and sealed streets were visible across parts of the city as security forces tightened patrols. Many businesses were forced to close, and residents expressed fears of further violence.
Officials Condemn Attacks on Civilians
Pakistan’s junior interior minister Talal Chaudhry said attackers disguised as civilians entered public places such as markets, hospitals and banks before opening fire, accusing them of using civilians as shields.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said two of the attacks involved female fighters and warned that militant violence was increasingly targeting civilians and low-income communities.
International Reaction
The United States condemned the violence, with its charge d’affaires Natalie Baker calling the attacks acts of terrorism and expressing solidarity with Pakistan. The BLA is designated by Washington as a foreign terrorist organisation.
Pakistan has also faced periodic attacks in other regions, including violence linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, highlighting persistent security challenges across the country.