ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's military announced on Friday that it had conducted two operations in the southwestern Balochistan province, resulting in the deaths of 41 insurgents. These raids occurred on Thursday in the districts of Panjgur and Harnai, highlighting a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between security forces and various militant groups operating in the region.
According to military reports, the first operation in Panjgur resulted in the death of 30 insurgents, while an additional 11 militants were killed in Harnai. Notably, the military confirmed that there were no casualties among their personnel during these confrontations.
The military's statement claimed that the insurgents targeted in these operations were allegedly backed by neighboring India, though no evidence was provided to substantiate this assertion. Authorities indicated that the killed militants were involved in several violent activities, including attacks against security forces and bank robberies, which have plagued the region.
Following these operations, a series of "sanitization operations" were initiated in both districts to root out remaining militants and restore order. Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the efforts of Pakistan's security forces, underscoring the government's commitment to combating militancy in the country.
The recent military actions come amid a troubling rise in militant violence across Pakistan, particularly attributed to Baloch separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This group, while separate, has formed alliances with the Taliban in Afghanistan, who regained control of the country in August 2021. The intertwining of these groups complicates the security landscape in Balochistan.
Balochistan itself has historical significance, being a region marked by a longstanding insurgency from separatist factions that seek autonomy or independence from the central government in Islamabad. The province shares a considerable border with Afghanistan and has become a focal point for various militant activities, including those executed by the Pakistani Taliban and the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, alongside sporadic attacks attributed to the Islamic State.
Despite government assurances that the insurgency has been largely contained, violence continues to pose a challenge in Balochistan. The ongoing conflicts reflect the complexity of the security situation in Pakistan, as various militant groups exploit regional grievances and cross-border dynamics in their operations against state forces.
