The recent escalation of violence in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province has led to the tragic loss of at least 30 lives, including 18 soldiers.
This deadly incident occurred during a security operation in Mangocher, a city situated in the Kalat district of Balochistan, on the night of January 31 and February 1.
The Pakistan military confirmed the casualties, including those of the country’s Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers, after a coordinated attack by terrorists.
The Pakistani military reported that the terrorists had attempted to set up roadblocks in Mangocher, a tactic designed to disrupt security and create chaos. As soon as the attack began, security forces and law enforcement agencies responded quickly to neutralise the threat.
The military statement revealed that while 12 of the terrorists were killed during the operation, the security forces had to pay a heavy price. Eighteen Pakistani soldiers were killed while clearing the area, in what was described as a “heinous and cowardly act” by the attackers.
The military further vowed to bring those responsible for the attack, including facilitators and abettors, to justice. The statement also indicated that security personnel were continuing to clear the area and restore order to the region.
The military’s determination to prevent further disruption to the peace and stability of Balochistan is clear, and they have vowed to continue their efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
This attack comes only a day after another significant operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where Pakistani security forces successfully killed ten terrorists in five different counter-terrorism operations.
The violence across both Balochistan and KP is part of a growing pattern of attacks that have intensified since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in 2021.
Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused the Taliban regime of providing support to militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and separatist factions like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), who are said to be operating from Afghan soil.
Pakistan’s concerns about these terror groups are growing, as they have continued to target civilians, security personnel, and foreign nationals, particularly in Balochistan and KP.
The Pakistani government has urged Afghanistan to take stronger action against these anti-Pakistan groups, highlighting the destabilising impact they have on regional peace and security.
The situation in Balochistan has become particularly dire, with increasing terror attacks on security forces, foreign nationals, and local civilians. In 2024, Pakistan saw one of the deadliest years in recent history, with more than 685 security personnel killed in 444 terror attacks.
The overall casualties, which also included civilians, reached an alarming total of 1,612, the highest in the last decade. This surge in violence has put immense pressure on Pakistan’s security forces, especially in regions like Balochistan and KP, which have seen the highest number of casualties from terrorism.
Balochistan, long a hotbed of separatist activity, has suffered significantly. In 2024, the province accounted for 782 casualties in 1,166 terror-related incidents. Despite the losses, the Pakistani government has continued to express its resolve to combat terrorism and prevent further destabilisation of the country.
The security forces, according to official statements, remain committed to safeguarding the region and ensuring the safety of the local population, no matter the cost.
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