255 Killed in Pakistan Counter-Terror Operation

In a major counter-terrorism operation spanning three days in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, security forces have killed 197 members of a separatist group reportedly supported by India. During the clashes, 22 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives, while 36 civilians, including women and children, were also killed, bringing the total death toll to 255.

According to a report by Geo News on Wednesday, the operation was launched in response to coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) across 12 towns in Balochistan on 31 January. The assaults, which targeted security installations and public areas, paralyzed normal life across the province. On the day of the attacks alone, 17 security personnel and 31 civilians were killed.

In the days following, multiple attacks were reported in cities and towns including Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, and Pasni. Local intelligence sources confirmed that these attacks claimed the lives of 36 civilians, many of whom were women and children.

In response, Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies launched a comprehensive clearance operation across the province. During the first phase of the operation, 92 militants described by the Pakistani government as “India-backed terrorists” were killed, including three suicide attackers.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, stated that members of the “Fitna al-Hindustan” group had brutally killed at least 18 innocent civilians—including women, children, the elderly, and workers—aiming to disrupt normal life and developmental activities in Balochistan. The ISPR further praised the courage and professionalism of security forces, noting that their efforts successfully thwarted the militants’ objectives, though 15 security personnel were killed in intense clashes.

Subsequent operations focused on sanitising affected areas to identify and apprehend planners, accomplices, and supporters of the attacks. Intelligence reports indicate that the assaults were orchestrated by militant leaders based outside Pakistan, who maintained direct contact with attackers throughout the attacks.

Summary of Casualties in Balochistan Clashes

The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan and the determination of Pakistani forces to combat separatist and militant activities in the region.