Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan’s military said on Thursday it had concluded a week-long security operation against separatists in Balochistan, reporting 216 militants killed across the province. It said 22 security personnel and 36 civilians were killed in separatist attacks during the period.
Military statement on Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1
The military said the “intelligence driven” Radd Al-Fitna 1 (countering chaos) operation began on January 29. In a statement, it said security forces and law enforcement agencies, with support of intelligence agencies, carried out targeted offensives and killed 216 militants in Balochistan since the operation began.
Separatist attacks across Balochistan
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, was brought to a virtual standstill on Saturday when the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed schools, banks, markets and security installations across the region. The military said the BLA carried out coordinated strikes in over a dozen locations.
Nushki siege and security response
Security officials and witnesses said insurgents seized government buildings and police stations in several locations, including taking over the desert town of Nushki for three days before being pushed out. Security officials said helicopters and drones were deployed to Nushki to end the siege.
Background on the conflict and strategic significance
Mineral-rich Balochistan borders Iran and Afghanistan and is home to Beijing’s investment in the Gwadar deepwater port and other projects. The province has faced a decades-long insurgency led by ethnic Baloch separatists seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of its natural resources.
What impact do you think the latest security operation will have on stability in Balochistan?