Pakistani security agencies have reportedly killed close to 200 separatist fighters during sweeping counter-insurgency operations in Balochistan after coordinated violent attacks rocked the province over the weekend.
A senior security source, who requested anonymity while speaking with international media on Wednesday, disclosed that at least 197 suspected militants have been neutralised so far. The source added that the total number of casualties from the unrest has risen beyond 250, including dozens of civilians and security personnel.
Authorities confirmed that military and intelligence operations are still underway in some areas, with occasional exchanges of gunfire continuing. The security response was triggered after armed separatist groups launched simultaneous assaults on several government and public facilities, including financial institutions, detention centres, police formations, and military locations.
Balochistan Governor Sarfraz Bugti stated that security forces had successfully regained authority in the affected areas. However, he stressed that efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attacks remain ongoing.
He assured journalists in Quetta that the perpetrators would be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for orchestrating the attacks. In communications circulated to international media, the group said it carried out armed offensives and suicide operations targeting military personnel, law enforcement units, and government institutions. The United States has listed the BLA as a terrorist organisation.
Balochistan, located along Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan and Iran, has experienced a long-running separatist rebellion. Militant factions in the region have frequently targeted security forces, migrant workers from other parts of Pakistan, and foreign-linked infrastructure projects, particularly within the energy and mining industries.
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Security concerns in the province intensified last year after militants attacked a passenger train transporting roughly 450 travellers, leading to a prolonged and deadly hostage situation.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has condemned the recent violence, describing the attacks as brutal and unacceptable. In a statement issued Tuesday, the UN Security Council expressed condolences to families of victims and reaffirmed its backing for Pakistan’s government in its fight against terrorism.
Authorities have scheduled burial rites for some victims of the violence for Wednesday.