The attacks, attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent separatist group in the region, included suicide bombings and armed raids targeting security installations, police stations, markets, and civilian areas, resulting in significant casualties among civilians and security personnel. Authorities confirmed that the violence marked one of the deadliest escalations in recent years.
The attacks began with coordinated assaults on key infrastructure, such as a high-security prison, military checkpoints, and government facilities. The insurgents used bombs and heavy artillery in a bid to destabilize the region. A significant number of civilian casualties were reported, with bombings in busy markets and civilian buildings adding to the devastation. In addition to militants, several police officers and military personnel lost their lives in the attacks.
In response, Pakistan's military, along with paramilitary forces and police, launched a counteroffensive operation that lasted approximately 40 hours, resulting in the deaths of 145 fighters associated with the BLA.
This operation dealt a significant blow to the insurgent group, representing a direct retaliation to the ongoing insurgency that has plagued the region for years.
Provincial authorities have accused the militants of being backed by India, though these claims have been denied by the Indian government, which labeled the accusations as "baseless and politically motivated".
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and resource-rich province, has long been a hotspot for ethnic separatism. Local Baloch groups have expressed grievances over the lack of political autonomy and the unequal distribution of resources.
These grievances have fueled the separatist insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives. The region's separatist groups are demanding greater autonomy or even independence, citing economic and political marginalization by the central government in Islamabad.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the most prominent group leading the insurgency. In recent years, the group has carried out several high-profile attacks on security and government targets.
Analysts argue that military actions alone will not resolve the conflict in Balochistan. They warn that continued military responses, without addressing the region's political and economic issues, will only exacerbate the cycle of violence. Experts stress the need for a long-term solution that includes dialogue, development, and political autonomy for Balochistan.
Rania Umutoni
