Pakistani Forces Kill 145 Militants in Balochistan Following Coordinated Attacks

Islamabad. Pakistani officials have stated that at least 145 rebel fighters were killed in a large security operation launched in Pakistan's Balochistan province following a series of coordinated attacks.

This announcement was made on Sunday. On Saturday, approximately 50 people, including 31 civilians and 17 security personnel, were killed in gunfire and bomb attacks in various parts of the province. Five of the deceased civilians were women.

 The banned separatist organization Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks. Following this, the government imposed strict security restrictions in Balochistan, effective for several months. These restrictions include a ban on public gatherings and demonstrations, traffic control, and a ban on face-covering clothing in public places.

The provincial Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, told reporters in Quetta that 145 militants were killed in the joint operation by the army and police. 

He called this the biggest loss in decades. According to him, some Afghan nationals were also among those killed. The Pakistani army stated that 92 militants were killed on Saturday and 41 on Friday. 

Bugti stated that preemptive action was taken because prior information about the attacks was received. He accused Afghanistan and India of supporting the BLA, although both countries have denied these allegations.