Pakistan security forces killed 145 militants over about 40 hours after a series of coordinated attacks in the volatile province of Balochistan. These attacks resulted in the deaths of many security personnel and civilians, according to the provincial chief minister on Sunday.
Pakistan Launches Combing Ops, kills 145 Militants
The high death toll included militants killed during raids on Friday and Saturday, as well as others who died in ongoing search operations. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti shared this information during a news conference in the provincial capital, Quetta. “This is the highest number since Pakistan has faced this war on terror,” Bugti stated, as reported by Dawn.
PAK vs India
Pakistan blamed India for the violence, and India refuted these claims. A day earlier, Pakistan’s military argued, without providing evidence, that the attacks were executed by “Indian-sponsored militants.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated that claim, stating the attackers ties to India and promised to “completely eliminate these terrorists.” “Even now our security forces are engaged in mopping-up operations,” Asif mentioned.
On Saturday, the Baloch Liberation Army announced the start of the second phase of Operation Herof, or “black storm,” which targets security personnel. This came a day after the military reported killing 41 insurgents in two separate operations. In a statement from spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the group claimed its fighters captured a Counter Terrorism Department headquarters in Noshki. It overtook a Frontier Corps facility, killing Pakistani soldiers in the process.
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