15 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Series of Attacks by Armed Groups in Balochistan

Quetta: At least 15 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in a wave of coordinated attacks carried out across Balochistan over the past few weeks, with three Baloch armed groups claiming responsibility for strikes in multiple districts, including Kech, Panjgur, Turbat, Surab and Naseerabad, local media reported on Monday.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) have each issued statements detailing separate operations targeting Pakistani security forces and related infrastructure.

According to BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, fighters attacked a Pakistani Army post in the Tejaban area of Kech district on December 23, using automatic weapons and grenade launchers. The assault reportedly killed two soldiers and destroyed surveillance cameras installed at the post.

In another incident on December 25, the BLA claimed responsibility for an attack on a military vehicle along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route in the Katgari area of Panjgur district. The vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled explosive device, which the group said killed six Pakistani personnel and injured four others.

The BLA also reported a further operation on Sunday in the Dank area of Turbat, where explosives were used to destroy a communication tower utilised by Pakistani forces. The blast allegedly damaged active surveillance cameras mounted on the structure.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Front said it carried out a roadblock operation on December 27 on the RCD Highway at Bathgu Cross in Surab district. BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch stated that fighters intercepted traffic at the checkpoint when four Pakistani security vehicles escorting trucks associated with the Saindak mining project arrived. The escort vehicles were simultaneously attacked, resulting in the deaths of five security personnel and injuries to several others. The group claimed that both the security convoy and vehicles linked to the mining project suffered heavy damage.

In a separate incident, the Baloch Republican Guards said their fighters exchanged fire with a Pakistani security forces convoy between Notal and Bakhtiarabad in Naseerabad district on Saturday night. BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said the clash lasted nearly an hour, leaving two Pakistani personnel dead and several injured before the fighters withdrew without casualties. The group reiterated its intention to continue such attacks, citing its demand for the independence of Balochistan.

With inputs from IANS