Balochistan Army Target State Facilities, Claiming Lives of Pakistan Servicemen and Two Civilians

Defense News ,Balochistan :- In a prolonged gun battle with Balochistan Army in the southwest region of Pakistan, 15 individuals lost their lives, including four Pakistan servicemen and two civilians, according to the military's statement. Although provincial officials initially reported six militant casualties, the military later confirmed the death of "nine terrorists, including three suicide bombers," emphasizing the bravery of the fallen law enforcement members.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an armed separatist group, claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks that targeted at least three state facilities overnight, including a paramilitary headquarters and a police station. Bolan Colony, an arid district with fortified hills, witnessed intense fighting, leaving behind charred remains of several trucks.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and economically disadvantaged province, has been a historical battleground for ethnic separatist factions. The region, rich in natural resources, often experiences discontent among locals who feel deprived of their fair share of wealth from oil and gas reserves. Human rights groups highlight allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the military crackdown on ethnic Baloch citizens.

Tensions escalated in the region when Islamabad targeted BLA fighters in Iran, reciprocating Tehran's actions against anti-Iran militants sheltering in Pakistan. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities in the strife-torn Balochistan region.