Pakistan Escalates Crackdown on Balochistan Separatists Amid 'Unprecedented' Wave of Attacks
The Pakistani government has intensified its military operations against separatist militants in the province of Balochistan, following a devastating wave of attacks that killed at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel. The brazen assault, which began early Saturday, targeted military installations, police stations, banks, and key infrastructure, leaving widespread destruction and chaos in its wake.
The attacks, which were described as "unprecedented" by analysts, were carried out simultaneously across multiple cities, including Quetta, Gwadar, and Mastung. The militants, who claimed responsibility for the attacks through the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have admitted to killing 84 security personnel and taking several officials hostage.
The Pakistani government has blamed India for backing the separatist movement, a claim that has been denied by New Delhi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rushed to Quetta on Saturday to offer condolences to the families of those killed, while Defense Minister Khawaja Asif vowed to restore calm in the province through a "mopping-up operation".
Analysts say that the attacks are a stark reminder of the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, which has been simmering for decades. Security expert Zahid Hussain warned that the situation has escalated to a "dangerous level" and that the attacks prove the militants have a significant local support base.
The attacks come as Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan remain tense, with both sides accusing each other of providing safe sanctuaries to militant groups. However, Kabul has denied the claims.
As the Pakistani government cracks down on separatist militants, residents of Balochistan are living in fear of further violence. Mobile internet services have been suspended in several cities, and many are calling for an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the province for years.
The Pakistani government has intensified its military operations against separatist militants in the province of Balochistan, following a devastating wave of attacks that killed at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel. The brazen assault, which began early Saturday, targeted military installations, police stations, banks, and key infrastructure, leaving widespread destruction and chaos in its wake.
The attacks, which were described as "unprecedented" by analysts, were carried out simultaneously across multiple cities, including Quetta, Gwadar, and Mastung. The militants, who claimed responsibility for the attacks through the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have admitted to killing 84 security personnel and taking several officials hostage.
The Pakistani government has blamed India for backing the separatist movement, a claim that has been denied by New Delhi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rushed to Quetta on Saturday to offer condolences to the families of those killed, while Defense Minister Khawaja Asif vowed to restore calm in the province through a "mopping-up operation".
Analysts say that the attacks are a stark reminder of the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, which has been simmering for decades. Security expert Zahid Hussain warned that the situation has escalated to a "dangerous level" and that the attacks prove the militants have a significant local support base.
The attacks come as Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan remain tense, with both sides accusing each other of providing safe sanctuaries to militant groups. However, Kabul has denied the claims.
As the Pakistani government cracks down on separatist militants, residents of Balochistan are living in fear of further violence. Mobile internet services have been suspended in several cities, and many are calling for an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the province for years.