Pakistan: 21 Militants Killed in Balochistan Clashes, 6 Personnel Including Two Officers Killed

Quetta (Terror Monitor) — At least six security personnel, including two military officers, were killed in separate clashes with armed militants in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, while 21 militants were killed in retaliatory operations, according to the military’s media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that 21 militants were killed in two separate incidents in Balochistan on Monday night, while five military personnel, including two officers, and a Customs official were also killed.

According to the ISPR, the incidents took place in Naukacha in Chagai district and Ziarat Cross in Pishin district.

The military said that between Monday and Tuesday night, militants affiliated with the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attempted to enter a Customs House in Pishin. Security forces responded effectively and killed 10 militants during the ensuing exchange of fire.

Five military personnel, including two officers, and a Customs official were killed in the attack, according to the ISPR.

Government officials in Pishin said vehicles inside the Customs warehouse were also damaged during the attack.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said vehicles seized in various cases caught fire inside the Customs warehouse.

The official said the exchange of fire between security forces and the attackers continued for an extended period after the assault began.

Several videos showing the attack on the Customs House in Ziarat Cross have circulated on social media, with vehicles seen on fire. However, the BBC said it could not independently verify the footage.

On Tuesday, the Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the fire that broke out at the Customs warehouse had been brought under control.

According to the PDMA, rescue and firefighting teams responded promptly and managed to extinguish the blaze after sustained efforts.

Ziarat Cross is located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Quetta in Pishin district. The area has a major Customs checkpoint and warehouse, along with checkpoints operated by security forces and police.

The surrounding areas of Ziarat Cross have periodically witnessed security incidents. Earlier, in the first week of July, unidentified armed militants attacked police personnel in the Mangi area of neighbouring Ziarat district. Nine police officers were killed at the scene, while 22 others were abducted and later killed, according to officials.

The ISPR described the attack on the Customs House as an example of a nexus between terrorism and criminal activity, alleging that its objective was to prevent Customs officials from carrying out their legal duties and facilitate continued criminal activity in the area.

Security forces said clearance and search operations were continuing in surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining militants and ensure the safety of local residents and major national highways.

11 BLA Militants Killed in Chagai

According to the ISPR, on August 31, militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attempted to establish an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 highway between Quetta and Taftan.

The military said the militants intended to disrupt the peaceful movement of passengers and engage in extortion.

After receiving information about the attempted checkpoint, security forces launched an immediate operation, killing 11 militants at the scene, according to the ISPR.

The military said a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the militants.