A series of coordinated attacks by separatist militants in southwestern Pakistan’s Balochistan province left at least 39 people dead on Monday. The violence, largely targeting ethnic Punjabis, was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active separatist group in the region.
The attacks unfolded across multiple districts, with militants stopping vehicles on highways, shooting passengers, and even blowing up a railway bridge. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Musakhail district, where 30 to 40 gunmen stopped 22 buses, vans, and trucks and shot individuals from Punjab.
In a statement, the BLA claimed their operation targeted only security personnel and emphasized their fight against the Pakistani military, asserting their goal of independence for Balochistan. The BLA also warned the Baloch public to stay away from the highways during their operation.
Pakistan’s military reported the deaths of 10 soldiers, though it did not specify whether they were killed in the initial attacks or during subsequent clearance operations. The military stated that 21 militants were killed in these operations.
Balochistan is Pakistan’s poorest province, despite its vast natural resources. The region has seen a surge in separatist violence in recent years, with attacks targeting individuals from other parts of Pakistan working in the region, as well as foreign energy companies. The BLA’s actions are seen as a response to the perceived dominance of Punjabis in the Pakistani military, which is actively engaged in suppressing the armed factions seeking Baloch independence.
Analysts have criticized the Pakistani government’s approach to the conflict, highlighting the use of force without seeking political solutions. They argue that this approach has only fueled the insurgency, leading to increased retaliatory attacks by the BLA.
Pakistan has faced a surge in militant attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The violence has been concentrated in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bordering Afghanistan, but has also spread to Balochistan, which borders both Afghanistan and Iran.
The attacks in Balochistan underscore the ongoing conflict between the Pakistani government and separatist groups seeking independence for the region. The violence continues to disrupt daily life in the province, raising concerns about the future of the region and its impact on the broader stability of Pakistan.
