54 militants, 42 security personnel killed in Balochistan attacks this week

Pakistan's military said on Wednesday that security forces had killed 54 militants in a series of retaliatory operations across Balochistan after coordinated attacks over the past four days left 42 civilians and security personnel dead.

Addressing a press conference, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the militants targeted civilians, police personnel and key public infrastructure in multiple locations. He said the security forces and police responded quickly, preventing what he described as a larger campaign to spread fear and instability.

"The terrorists wanted to spread fear and chaos, but their plans were foiled through the bravery of our security forces and the resilience of the people," Chaudhry said.

According to the military, the three attacks, carried out since July 6, claimed the lives of 42 people, including civilians, police officers and soldiers.

In response, security forces launched a series of operations in different parts of Balochistan, killing 54 militants, the military spokesperson said.

OPERATIONS SPANNED SEVERAL DISTRICTS

Lt Gen Chaudhry said one of the attacks targeted a police checkpoint in Ziarat. Police personnel fought back and killed 15 militants before reinforcements arrived and pursuit operations were launched.

Another attack took place at Mangi Dam on July 6. The dam is a key source of water for Quetta, making it an important strategic installation. The military said security forces quickly secured the area and launched an operation against the attackers.

Elsewhere, six militants were killed in Kharan and eight in Dalbandin during separate operations.

The largest operation was conducted following intelligence inputs on the N-25 highway between Jhaw Cross and Kararo. According to the military, militants had blocked the road and were allegedly extorting money from travellers when security forces moved in.

Lt Gen Chaudhry said 19 militants were killed during the operation.

The military also confirmed that 11 soldiers were killed while carrying out operations against the attackers.

MILITARY POINTS TO CROSS-BORDER LINKS

The Pakistan military alleged that many of the militants involved in the recent attacks were Afghan nationals and claimed the operations had links across the border.

Lt Gen Chaudhry referred to a recent militant attack in Karachi, claiming that three of the four attackers were Afghan citizens and that the operation had been planned in Afghanistan. He further alleged that the Afghan Taliban administration was providing manpower to militant groups operating against Pakistan.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has repeatedly denied accusations that it allows its territory to be used for attacks against neighbouring countries.

During the press conference, Lt Gen Chaudhry also accused India of supporting militant activity aimed at destabilising Balochistan. He claimed hostile elements were attempting to undermine Pakistan's security and development.

India has consistently rejected similar allegations in the past, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, has witnessed decades of insurgency involving separatist groups, Islamist militants and security forces. The province, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, remains strategically important because of its mineral wealth and its access to the Arabian Sea through the Gwadar port.

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With inputs from agencies