145 Militants Killed as Pakistan Launches Massive Ops After Balochistan Attacks

Pakistan’s security forces have killed at least 145 militants during extensive combing and counterterrorism operations launched in the aftermath of coordinated attacks across the volatile Balochistan province. The operations, carried out over nearly 40 hours, followed a wave of violence that left dozens of civilians and security personnel dead, marking one of the deadliest flare-ups in the region in recent years.

According to Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, the militants were killed during raids conducted on Friday and Saturday, as well as in ongoing search-and-clear operations that continued across multiple districts. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Bugti described the death toll as unprecedented in Pakistan’s fight against militancy, claiming it was the highest number of militants eliminated in a single phase of counterterrorism operations.

The violence erupted almost simultaneously across several parts of the province, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, and Noshki. Officials confirmed that at least 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians lost their lives in the attacks, which were later claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army. The coordinated nature of the assaults prompted a massive security response involving the army, police, and specialised counterterrorism units.

In the wake of the attacks, Pakistan’s military alleged that the militants were backed by India, though no evidence was presented to support the claim. The accusation was reiterated by Pakistan’s defence minister, who said the attackers had links across the border and vowed that security forces would “completely eliminate” those responsible. He added that mopping-up operations were still underway in several areas.

India firmly rejected the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and routine attempts to deflect attention from Pakistan’s internal challenges. New Delhi said Islamabad should focus on addressing long-standing grievances and governance issues in Balochistan rather than blaming external actors after every violent incident. Indian officials also pointed to Pakistan’s history of repression and human rights violations in the region.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Balochistan remains tense. The Balochistan Liberation Army announced the launch of the second phase of its operation, referred to as “Herof” or “black storm,” targeting security forces across the province. The group claimed responsibility for attacks on security installations, including a Counter Terrorism Department facility and a Frontier Corps post in Noshki. Officials said militants also freed dozens of inmates from a district jail, looted weapons and ammunition, and ransacked a police station before fleeing.

Security forces have sealed off multiple locations as part of continued operations, while mobile internet services across Balochistan have been suspended for over a day. Road movement remains restricted in several districts, and train services have been halted as a precautionary measure. Authorities say these steps are necessary to prevent further attacks and to track down remaining militants.

Quetta, usually bustling with activity, has witnessed an eerie calm following the violence. Many businesses remain closed, roads are largely empty, and residents are staying indoors amid fear of fresh attacks. Debris from explosions and damaged vehicles can still be seen in parts of the city, underscoring the scale of the unrest.

The latest violence has once again drawn attention to the long-running insurgency in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, where separatist groups have for decades demanded greater autonomy and control over local resources. The escalation highlights the fragile security situation in the region and raises concerns about further instability in the days ahead.