In a joint operation, security forces killed six members of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan’s Harnai district, according to security sources. The operation, conducted based on secret intelligence, targeted the northeastern part of the province, successfully eliminating the hideouts of the terror group. Among those killed were key BLA operatives: Shafu Samalani alias Tadin, Sarmad Khan alias Dasteen, Muhammad Gul Mari alias Wahid Baloch, Ghulam Qadir Mari alias Anjir Baloch, Ubaid Baloch alias Fida, and Taj Muhammad alias Babul.
These militants were involved in direct attacks against security forces and civilians. Following the operation, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the forces for their successful mission and reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country. He emphasized that with the nation’s support, security forces will continue to crush terrorists and their networks.
This development comes amid a surge in terror-related incidents across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) recently reported a 90% rise in violence during the third quarter of 2024, with fatalities surpassing those of the entire previous year. Nearly all fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan, reflecting the significant concentration of terrorism in these regions. However, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) documented a 7% decline in militant attacks alongside a notable 56% drop in fatalities during the same period.
The joint efforts of security forces continue to play a pivotal role in countering the escalating threat of terrorism in the region.