Security forces foiled a series of coordinated militant attacks across Balochistan after armed assailants struck multiple locations in a synchronized wave of violence late at night, officials confirmed.
According to security sources, the attackers were linked to the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which allegedly launched the assaults in retaliation for recent counter-terror operations in the province. Swift action by the army, police, and paramilitary units prevented large-scale destruction and civilian casualties.
Officials said 10 security personnel and police officers were martyred while defending key installations and protecting civilians. In retaliatory operations, at least 37 militants were killed in gun battles and clearance missions across affected districts. Several engagements were still ongoing at the time of reporting.
Coordinated Attacks Across Multiple Cities
The attempted assaults targeted security installations, government buildings, and civilian areas in Quetta, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kalat, Pasni, Gwadar, Mastung, and Kharan, marking one of the most geographically spread militant attempts in recent months.
Quetta
In Quetta, militants opened fire on a police vehicle along Sariab Road, triggering a gun battle with police and personnel of the Frontier Corps. Four attackers were killed in the exchange.
Security teams also foiled a major vehicle-borne bomb plot near Hockey Chowk before it could detonate. On the Quetta Bypass, militants attempted to block a road and harass civilians but were neutralized within minutes. Authorities later cleared a building and a private school reportedly used as temporary hideouts.
Nushki
Armed men targeted a Frontier Corps headquarters in Nushki with gunfire. Security personnel responded immediately, forcing the attackers to flee. A search operation remains underway in surrounding areas.
Dalbandin
In Dalbandin, militants attempted a suicide-style assault near a security installation. Troops quickly encircled the attackers, leading to an intense exchange of fire.
Kalat
Government offices, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office and police lines, came under attack in Kalat. Security forces repelled the assault without allowing the attackers to breach sensitive compounds.
Pasni
In the coastal town of Pasni, militants attempted to storm a post of the Pakistan Coast Guards. Security personnel killed eight attackers, including a female assailant.
Gwadar
Militants targeted a labour colony in Gwadar, prompting an immediate response from police and Frontier Corps units. Civilians were shifted to safe locations while clearance operations continued in the vicinity.
Other Areas
Grenade attacks and sporadic firing were also reported in Mastung, Kharan, and nearby localities. All attempts were repelled by security forces.
Use of Women in Attacks
Security sources said the militants used women during the operation, allegedly under coercion, with armed male handlers monitoring them. One female attacker was killed during a clearance operation in Quetta. Officials noted that militant groups in the region have previously deployed women in suicide missions.
Retaliation for Recent Operations
Authorities believe the attacks were a response to recent intelligence-based operations (IBOs) that dealt heavy losses to militant networks. Over the past 48 hours, security forces reportedly eliminated more than 50 militants in separate actions.
In Panjgur, 11 militants were killed, while over 30 extremists linked to another network were neutralized in Harnai.
Security officials say sustained IBOs have severely disrupted militant infrastructure, limiting their ability to carry out large, organized assaults and pushing them toward scattered attacks on softer targets.
Situation Remains Tense
Security agencies confirmed that several attackers fled during the clashes and are being pursued. Additional militant casualties are expected as operations continue.
Despite the intensity of the attacks, authorities stated that major population centres and key infrastructure were secured in time, preventing mass-casualty incidents.
Balochistan remains on high alert, with security forces vowing to defeat all attempts to destabilize the province.
