Military operations in Pakistan's Balochistan leave 255 dead

The death toll from ongoing Pakistani military operations in Balochistan province has risen sharply, reaching 255 killed, according to an anonymous security official speaking on Wednesday. The sweeping counter-terrorism campaign, initiated last Friday, comes in response to a series of militant assaults and has resulted in significant losses among fighters, security forces, and civilians alike.

Breakdown of the casualties

The official provided a detailed account of the losses, stating, "So far, 197 terrorists have been killed in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations during the past four days." The toll on state forces has climbed to 22 personnel killed. Civilian deaths have also mounted, with 36 non-combatants, including women and children, losing their lives in the initial militant attacks that sparked the security response across the volatile Pakistani province.

Ongoing disruptions and claimed responsibility

The intense military activity has caused major disruptions in Balochistan. Mobile and internet services are suspended in several districts, and train services to other parts of Pakistan have been halted for five consecutive days. Key road links remain closed. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that frequently targets security forces, has claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks on multiple locations that triggered the current military operations.

Strategic context of the region

Balochistan, a mineral-rich area and a crucial route for the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has long been a hotspot for insurgency. While the province had seen relative calm recently, it has re-emerged as the main theater for militant activity and consequent security operations. Some Baloch separatist groups continue to fight for greater autonomy or independence, challenging the authority of the Pakistani state in this strategic region.