The death toll from the anti-terror operation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has risen to 187 since July 5, officials confirmed on Sunday. Security forces have intensified high-tempo, intelligence-based operations (including Operations Shaban and Al-Azm) across Balochistan’s Mastung, Kharan, and Surab districts, neutralising over 145 militants and arresting multiple suspects — including female suicide bombers — following a surge in coordinated insurgent attacks earlier in the month.
Apart from terrorists, 42 others, including 27 policemen, 11 security forces personnel and 4 civilians, have also lost their lives in the aftermath of the fresh spurt in violence since July 5.
The joint operation codenamed ‘Shaban’ was launched by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and local police, utilising both aerial strikes and ground-based actions in rugged terrain.
Recent reports suggest that security forces have killed several more terrorists belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army, an insurgent group that has carried out attacks on several public and army infrastructure facilities.
The group has also been involved in suicide bombings, the killing of civilians, and foreign nationals, primarily of Chinese origin. The operations also led to the apprehension of high-profile facilitators and two alleged female suicide bombers.
Pakistan’s security forces and defence establishments have accused India of funding and aiding these terrorist entities in the country which seek to destabilise Pakistan, though India has consistently rejected any involvement.
Latest official updates from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and state media indicate that Pakistani security forces have transitioned into a critical clearance phase under Operation Al-Azm and Operation Shaban, neutralising multiple additional terrorists in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung and Surab districts.
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