Pakistan: 18 Militants Killed After Explosives Accident in Balochistan’s Surab

Islamabad (Terror Monitor) — Pakistan’s military said 18 militants were killed following an accidental explosion at a militant hideout in Surab district of Balochistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), militants were preparing explosives to be fitted into a vehicle when the material detonated prematurely, killing eight militants and wounding several others.

ISPR said additional explosives stored at the site were also triggered by the initial blast, causing further explosions. Three civilians living near the site were also reportedly killed.

However, a health department official, speaking to BBC Urdu on condition of anonymity, said six bodies were transferred to Surab Hospital, including those of one child and two women. The official said 16 injured people, including women and children, were also brought to the hospital.

According to ISPR, security forces and Balochistan police immediately reached the site and launched a joint clearance operation to identify those responsible and their facilitators.

During the operation, security forces tracked the movements of militants who had fled the area and conducted an operation against them, killing another 10 militants, according to the military.

ISPR said the total number of militants killed in the incident and subsequent operation had reached 18. Two security personnel were also wounded in an exchange of fire.

Security officials told Terror Monitor that the militants killed in the operation were affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).