Pakistan's military says it has killed at least 92 militants blamed for deadly coordinated attacks in the south-western Balochistan province on Saturday.
The military reported that 15 security personnel and 18 civilians were also among those killed during the violence, which has led to an assertion from military officials that India is supporting the militants, a claim repeatedly denied by Delhi.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebel group had earlier claimed responsibility for the attacks, alleging that dozens of soldiers were killed. The claims from both sides have not yet been independently verified, indicating a dangerous escalation in one of the deadliest days of violence within this historically impoverished province.
In a statement, the military condemned the militants for executing multiple attacks targeting civilians around the provincial capital of Quetta and other cities, prompting military operations to launch "clearance" missions across Balochistan in response.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the military's actions, vowing to continue fighting terrorism until it is completely eradicated. On the same day, militants executed coordinated strikes in 12 cities and towns targeting police and government installations.
The BLA alleges exploitation of the rich mineral resources by the federal government without benefiting local residents. Resistance against the Pakistani government and a militant insurgency advocating for Baloch independence date back to 1948, shortly after Pakistan gained independence.
Balochistan, which has a volatile border with Iran and Afghanistan, is Pakistan's largest province by land area but houses a mere 5% of the nation's population. It holds significant natural resource wealth, particularly in gas and minerals, inviting tension and unrest within its borders.
