Over 120 Dead After Major Attacks Strike Balochistan Region of Pakistan

At least 33 civilians were killed and 92 militants are dead after major attacks were conducted by Baloch militants in the Pakistani region of Balochistan, sparking conflict.

Balochistan, located in southwestern Pakistan, is a province that makes up around 44% of Pakistan's total land area. However, it contains only 6 to 7% of its population, and much of the province's population has been stricken by serious poverty, leading to the formation of groups like the BLA.

The BLA, or Baloch Liberation Army, is a group of militants fighting for the independence of Balochistan from Pakistan, who often resort to violent tactics to gain the attention of the Pakistani government. Alongside the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehrik-i-Taliban, they are one of the largest opposition forces against the Pakistani government.

Yesterday, BLA-affiliated attacks targeted both civilians and government officials, with militants striking a prison, police stations, and military zones while others robbed banks and set vehicles on fire. Several criminals were set free from the jail, and bombing attempts took place in various military and administration offices. Local security forces were able to prevent many of the attacks, though, saving countless lives.

Other reports confirmed that militants were found destroying rail tracks, leading to a suspension of train services between other provinces and Balochistan. At least 18 civilians were killed, alongside 15 government employees and security personnel.

However, Pakistani forces struck back quickly, eliminating militants who were not killed in the suicide blasts. Over 92 BLA-affiliated insurgents were killed, and dozens more have been killed in the days prior to the blasts. The Pakistani government described it as the deadliest day for the BLA in years, and the military is still working on tracking down additional insurgents.

The Pakistani government accuses India of backing the BLA, which India has strongly denied. Pakistan also claims that the Tehrik-i-Taliban and the BLA are utilizing Afghan land to center their operations under the existing Taliban government of Afghanistan– a close ally of both terrorist organizations.

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Image credit to Reuters