Deadly Separatist Attacks in Balochistan
Separatists Attack Pakistani Military in Balochistan, Kill 17 Soldiers

Image: AI Generated
Separatist militants launched major attacks against the Pakistani military in Balochistan, killing at least 17 soldiers late Friday night, according to Khurasan Diary news portal. The first attack occurred in Mangochar, Kalat district, where armed groups stormed a Frontier Corps (FC) camp using heavy weapons and explosives. Security forces engaged in intense gunfire with the militants, leading to casualties on both sides. In another attack, militants seized control of a section of the Quetta-Karachi highway and ambushed a Pakistani military convoy. Reports indicate that the militants blocked the highway, forcing vehicles to stop before launching an assault on army personnel. Independent sources claim at least two militants were killed, though this has not been officially confirmed. Local authorities reported that gunfire has now ceased, but the situation remains tense.
Meanwhile, Baloch International reported additional attacks in Khaliqabad, where militants opened fire on buses, causing panic among civilians. The Assistant Commissioner’s residence in Kalat was also targeted, though no official casualty figures have been released. In response, the Pakistani military announced that it had killed 10 militants in five separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, separatist and militant attacks on Pakistani forces have intensified. Baloch separatist groups have long demanded greater autonomy and accuse the Pakistani government of exploiting the region’s resources without benefiting local communities. The insurgency in Balochistan has been a longstanding issue, with militants frequently targeting security forces and government installations.
The renewed wave of violence highlights the deep-rooted tensions between the Baloch people and the Pakistani state. Security analysts believe that continued instability in Balochistan poses a significant challenge to Pakistan’s internal security. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Balochistan, has also been a target of militant attacks. Increased violence in the region threatens the progress of such infrastructure projects. Experts warn that unless meaningful dialogue is initiated, the insurgency could further escalate. The Pakistani military remains on high alert, anticipating potential retaliatory attacks from separatist groups. Authorities have tightened security measures in key areas to prevent further incidents. Despite military efforts, separatist groups continue to gain support among local communities, making it difficult to fully eliminate the insurgency. The Balochistan conflict remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing security challenges, with no immediate resolution in sight.