ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said Thursday it had wrapped up a week-long operation against separatist militants in Balochistan, who last weekend launched coordinated attacks on schools, banks, markets, and security installations. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed more than a dozen locations, taking hostages, setting off explosives, and engaging in gunfights with security forces.
Images from Quetta and surrounding areas showed buildings reduced to rubble and streets littered with debris. While the military declared the situation under control, residents described lingering fear and concern for safety.
The army said 216 militants were killed, alongside 22 security personnel and 36 civilians, though provincial officials gave higher casualty numbers. The BLA, however, claimed its “Black Storm” operation was ongoing and reported higher casualties among soldiers.
Authorities continue search and combing operations, using helicopters and drones to clear militants from towns including Nushki. Pakistan has accused India of supporting the attacks, a claim New Delhi denied, urging Islamabad to address local grievances instead.
