The Pakistan Army announced on Tuesday that a soldier and 14 militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Naal area of district Basima in Balochistan province. The operation took place on June 8, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing.
Details of the Operation
The ISPR identified the militants as belonging to "Fitna al Hindustan," a term used by the military for separatist Baloch militant groups. Security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence that the militants were planning to attack a nearby police station and banks in the area. During the exchange of fire, 14 militants were killed, and four vehicles used by them, along with improvised explosive devices, were destroyed on the spot.
However, the army also suffered a loss. Lance Havildar Muhammad Abbass, described as "one brave son of soil," was killed during the operation. The ISPR praised his gallantry and sacrifice, stating that he embraced shahadat (martyrdom).
Sanitization Operations and Accusations
The army said it is conducting sanitization operations in the area to locate any other "Indian-sponsored terrorists." Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting separatist militant groups in Balochistan, a charge that New Delhi denies. Similarly, Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring these militants who launch attacks on Pakistani soil, a claim that Afghanistan also rejects.
Background of Balochistan Insurgency
Balochistan, a mineral-rich province often described as Pakistan's most backward region by analysts, has been the site of a low-level insurgency for decades. Ethnic Baloch militants accuse the state of denying locals a fair share in the province's mineral resources. Islamabad denies these allegations and has vowed to eliminate militant groups from the province.
