Pakistan: Five BLA Terrorists Killed, 23 Hostages Rescued in Operation Near Kalat

Islamabad (Terror Monitor) — Pakistani security forces have killed five terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and rescued 23 hostages during an operation near Kalat district in southwestern Balochistan, the military said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists had established an illegal checkpoint near Kalat, where they stopped vehicles traveling through the area at night and abducted passengers.

The military said the terrorists were allegedly involved in kidnappings for ransom, extortion and the seizure of vehicles. Security forces launched an operation after receiving information about the illegal checkpoint and successfully rescued 23 hostages.

The ISPR said all five terrorists killed during the operation were affiliated with what the Pakistani military refers to as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a term used by Pakistani authorities for the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army and some other separatist groups operating in Balochistan.

The Pakistani government has accused India of supporting such groups, while New Delhi has repeatedly denied the allegations.

During the operation, security forces also recovered six trucks, three buses and two other vehicles that had allegedly been seized by the terrorists. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the area, according to the military.

The ISPR said no security personnel or hostages were killed or injured during the operation. A search operation remains underway in the surrounding area to locate any additional terrorists who may be present.

The operation came days after Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the provincial government would not negotiate with terrorist groups and that security operations would continue until militancy was eliminated from the province.

Separatist groups in Balochistan have previously been accused by Pakistani authorities of establishing illegal checkpoints to abduct people and hold them for ransom. Last month, 18 police personnel who had reportedly been abducted in a similar incident were killed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security operation on Sunday and said counterterrorism operations would continue. He also reiterated his commitment to eliminating what he described as “foreign-sponsored terrorism” in the country.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has faced a separatist insurgency for decades. Several Baloch separatist organizations, including the Baloch Liberation Army, seek independence from Islamabad or greater autonomy for the province. Their attacks have frequently targeted security personnel as well as people traveling to or working in Balochistan for business and employment.

Although Pakistani authorities say they have largely brought the insurgency under control in the province, violence continues to be reported in several areas.