On Tuesday, an improvised explosive device struck a Pakistan Army vehicle in Balochistan’s volatile southwest, killing seven soldiers, the military said in a statement. The blast underlines ongoing security challenges in the mineral-rich province.
Militants Abduct Police After Prison Van Attack
Days earlier, around 30–40 militants halted a major highway and intercepted a police-escorted prison transport. “The prisoners were later freed, but five police officers were abducted,” a senior police official told AFP. The attackers also torched government offices and a bank. A rescue operation is currently underway.
Separatists Claim Responsibility
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the region’s most active separatist group, claimed the highway assault in Kalat district. A senior government source said security forces killed two militants during the clash. The BLA has previously targeted foreign-backed infrastructure projects, especially those tied to China.
Long-Running Insurgency
Balochistan has faced a persistent separatist insurgency for years, with militants attacking state personnel, settlers from other provinces, and foreign workers. In March, BLA fighters hijacked a passenger train, holding hundreds hostage and killing off-duty security staff. In April, a roadside bomb near Quetta killed four troops and wounded three more.
The latest attacks underscore the ongoing threat posed by separatist groups and the challenges Pakistan’s security forces face in restoring stability to Balochistan.
