ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have eliminated 105 militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan since July 5, state media reported. The joint counter‑terrorism campaign follows a series of coordinated attacks earlier this month in which militants killed more than 40 people, including 38 security personnel.
The military said three major assaults were carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). One of the attacks targeted police posts in the Mangi area, resulting in nine fatalities among law‑enforcement officers and prompting the launch of “Operation Shaban.” The operation involves the army, the Frontier Corps Balochistan, and local police.
Security officials updated the casualty figure on Saturday, stating that 102 militants had been killed in Operation Shaban and related intelligence‑driven operations. “Air and ground operations against Fitna Al‑Khawarij in the region are ongoing and have claimed three more Khawarij,” Radio Pakistan reported, citing security sources.
Separate reporting from Radio Pakistan raised the overall count to 105 militants killed since July 5, with 67 of those losses attributed to Operation Shaban alone. Officials emphasized that the offensive will continue until all terrorists are eradicated.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet least developed province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has long contended with a separatist insurgency that has intensified alongside attacks by religious militant groups such as the TTP. The province also hosts the Chinese‑built deep‑sea port of Gwadar under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Pakistan’s “eastern neighbour,” alluding to India, of supporting the recent attacks in Balochistan, where China’s investments are significant. India has denied the allegation, while Afghanistan has also rejected Pakistan’s claims of providing safe haven to the TTP and BLA.
