Security forces have killed 22 additional militants, raising the total number of terrorists eliminated in Balochistan over the past three days to 177, according to security sources on Monday.
145 militants killed as Pakistan intensifies counter-terror operations in Balochistan https://t.co/t1SocnPtAb
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The sources said security forces, intelligence agencies and police are continuing extensive operations against terrorists and their facilitators, with sanitisation drives underway targeting Fitna al-Hindustan elements. They added that reports of further militant casualties are still emerging.
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The updated figure follows Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement on Sunday, in which he said more than 150 militants had been neutralised in Balochistan.
The operations were launched after terrorists linked to India-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan carried out coordinated attacks across 12 towns on Saturday, targeting civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the attacks, carried out by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), resulted in the martyrdom of at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel. Speaking on Geo News’ programme Naya Pakistan, he rejected claims that 1,000 to 2,000 attackers were involved, stating that the number did not exceed 200 to 250, most of whom were either killed or forced to flee.
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Bugti said the situation in Balochistan was not a political issue and could only be addressed through military action. He estimated the total strength of terrorists, their sympathisers and facilitators in the province at between 4,000 and 5,000.
The chief minister also accused hostile elements of attempting to destabilise Pakistan at India’s behest and questioned whether the BLA was a legitimate political entity with which dialogue could be held.
Rejecting the narrative that terrorism in Balochistan is solely driven by deprivation, Bugti said militants often blend into civilian populations, making counterterrorism operations highly sensitive. He added that while heavy firepower could have been used, authorities exercised restraint to avoid civilian casualties, stressing that the state did not want to mirror the brutality of terrorists.
Bugti further claimed that Afghan nationals were operating alongside the militants and said a wide range of weapons had been used in the attacks.
