• 145 militants reportedly killed by Pakistani forces following recent attacks.
• Coordinated assaults resulted in the deaths of 33 civilians and security personnel.
• Pakistani leadership claims involvement of Indian-backed terrorists in Balochistan.
• Amid violence, security restrictions have been imposed in the region.
• U.S. condemns the attacks, calling them acts of terrorism.

Pakistani police and military forces initiated a manhunt that led to the death of at least 145 militants in Balochistan over a span of two days, following coordinated attacks that resulted in numerous casualties. The attacks on Saturday left 33 individuals dead, including 18 civilians, five women and three children, and 15 security personnel, according to officials. The provincial chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, reported that the operation targeted members of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), also referred to as “Fitna al-Hindustan” by the government, which it accuses of being backed by India. This incident marks one of the deadliest days in the region in recent decades, as stated by Bugti

During the assault, which began early Saturday, militants utilized both suicide bombings and gun attacks across several locations in southwest Balochistan, resulting in chaos and fear among residents. “(It) was a very scary day in the history of Quetta,” recounted a local resident, highlighting the panic as armed men roamed freely before security arrived. Military officials initially reported a lower death toll but later revised it to indicate that 145 fighters were killed, a figure Bugti emphasized on Sunday, asserting that some of those killed included Afghans. The coordinated strikes reportedly disrupted plans by the militants to take hostages

Following these attacks, security restrictions soon took effect, including a ban on public gatherings and face coverings, as authorities moved to maintain order in the region. Bugti reiterated accusations against India and Afghanistan for supporting the BLA, stating that senior leaders of the group operate from Afghan soil, claims that have been categorically denied by both governments. Pakistani officials assert that these militants are linked to other groups, such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been allied with the Taliban of Afghanistan since their resurgence in power. Additionally, tight security measures remain in place as the government seeks to prevent further violence in the province known for its natural resources and ongoing separatist insurgency

Following the escalation of violence in Balochistan, the international community has reacted, with the United States condemning the attacks as acts of terrorism. The U.S. State Department had earlier labeled the BLA a foreign terrorist organization, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Pakistan during these turbulent times. As military operations continue, local civilians remain on high alert due to fears of further attacks, with the situation continuously evolving in light of the ongoing conflict in the region