Mehmut Naser
Pakistan’s military said operations in southwestern Balochistan killed 48 militants, marking a sharp escalation in the province’s security campaign.
A renewed burst of violence
The military described the actions as intelligence-led operations against armed groups. Independent verification of battlefield claims in remote areas is often difficult, and official casualty figures should therefore be treated with care.
Balochistan has faced a decades-long separatist insurgency alongside attacks by other militant organisations. The province is strategically important because of its mineral resources, coastline and transport projects. Continued violence poses risks to civilians, development and regional trade.
Zeynep Aziz
