Pakistani security forces killed 145 separatist fighters in a major counterterrorism operation following coordinated attacks that left 48 people dead across Balochistan province, marking the deadliest clash with insurgents in decades.
Coordinated Terror Attack Strikes Multiple Cities
The Balochistan Liberation Army launched simultaneous attacks Saturday across four districts, targeting security installations, hospitals, schools, banks, and markets. Armed fighters dressed as civilians opened fire on ordinary citizens and attempted suicide bombings while briefly blocking major highways. The assault killed 31 civilians, including five women, and 17 security personnel before Pakistani forces responded.
Pakistani security forces killed 145 militants in a 40-hour battle after coordinated gun and bomb attacks across Balochistan left nearly 50 people dead https://t.co/wdIwnGT4Sg pic.twitter.com/R9ZPja2EoC
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 1, 2026
Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed troops killed 92 fighters Saturday and 41 more Friday during pre-emptive operations based on intelligence reports. The government imposed months-long security restrictions, banning public gatherings, demonstrations, and face coverings that conceal identity. Bugti claimed some dead fighters were Afghan nationals and accused both Afghanistan and India of backing the terrorists.
International Tensions Escalate Over Accusations
Pakistan’s defense minister revealed two attacks involved female fighters, while officials said terrorists used civilians as human shields during the assault. India categorically rejected Pakistan’s allegations of involvement, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal telling Islamabad to address the longstanding demands of its people rather than deflecting attention from internal problems. Afghanistan has not responded to Pakistani accusations of harboring separatist leaders.
Decades-Long Insurgency Continues
Balochistan, Pakistan’s poorest province despite vast natural resources, has faced persistent separatist violence from ethnic Baloch groups seeking greater autonomy and resource sharing. The BLA regularly targets Pakistani security forces and Chinese workers involved in development projects. The latest attacks demonstrate the group’s growing capability to penetrate urban centers and conduct sophisticated multi-location operations, raising concerns about future security challenges in the strategic region.