Balochistan: 16 Pakistani Soldiers Killed, Two Dozen Injured and 7 Missing in Ziarat

Washington, D.C. (Shabbir Turi) — At least 16 Pakistani soldiers have been killed, around two dozen injured and seven reported missing in clashes between security forces and Baloch separatist groups in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, according to intelligence sources. Security forces have also claimed that several militants were killed in a retaliatory operation.

According to intelligence sources, militants ambushed a military convoy at night in Ziarat district. The attack left at least 16 soldiers dead, while several others were wounded.

Sources said the convoy was attacked in Ziarat district, near the provincial capital Quetta. Following the attack, intense exchanges of fire took place between security forces and the militants in the area.

One of the sources said security forces launched a retaliatory operation after the attack, killing at least 12 militants.

However, the reported militant deaths could not immediately be independently verified, and Pakistani authorities had not released full details regarding the incident.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an armed separatist organization seeking independence for Balochistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack on the military convoy.

The BLA made several claims in a statement regarding the attack, but those claims could not be independently verified.

Separately, the Pakistani military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said security forces had killed at least 12 militants in a separate operation in Kalat district, Balochistan.

According to ISPR, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Kalat after locating a militant hideout and targeted the position.

The military said the hideout was also destroyed during the operation.

ISPR described those killed as militants but did not provide further details about their identities or affiliation with any specific organization.

Balochistan has witnessed repeated attacks by Baloch separatist groups and other armed organizations targeting security forces, police, government installations and other targets.

The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also carries out attacks against security forces in various parts of Pakistan. However, the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan is primarily associated with armed activities by Baloch separatist groups.

Balochistan is geographically one of Pakistan’s most strategically important provinces, sharing borders with Afghanistan and Iran. The province is rich in natural resources and is also significant because of its access to the Arabian Sea and major economic projects in the region.

Baloch separatist groups have also opposed Pakistan’s economic cooperation with China and Chinese investment in Balochistan.

China has developed a deep-water port in the coastal city of Gwadar, while several road, energy and other infrastructure projects have been completed or are under construction in the province as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Baloch separatist groups maintain that the local population does not receive a fair share of Balochistan’s natural resources and that local people should have greater control over the province’s political and economic affairs.

The Pakistani government, meanwhile, accuses these groups of creating instability, targeting security forces and civilians, and receiving external support.

Security Forces’ Operations

Pakistani security forces have reported numerous intelligence-based operations against militants and armed groups in different parts of Balochistan this year.

According to the Pakistani military, large numbers of militants have been killed during these operations, while militant hideouts, weapons and improvised explosive devices have also been destroyed.

Pakistan uses the term “Fitna al-Hindustan” for elements associated with Baloch separatist groups, including the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Pakistani authorities, particularly ISPR, use the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The attack on the military convoy in Ziarat and the security forces’ operation in Kalat were reported during the same period, as security forces continue operations against militants across Balochistan.