Operation Shaban Continues in Balochistan as Security Forces Report More Casualties
Pakistani security forces have killed at least three more terrorists in Balochistan as part of ongoing Operation Shaban, according to state-run media. The latest reports from Radio Pakistan and Pakistan TV, citing security sources, indicate the operation is continuing despite challenges.
Casualty Figures and Operation Scope
State media reported on Wednesday that three additional terrorists were killed, bringing the total number of militants killed during Operation Shaban to 88. However, a subsequent report on Thursday cited a higher figure of 91. These numbers, while attributed to security sources, have not been independently verified. State media also reported that 126 terrorists have been killed in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations in the province since July 5, with a later report citing 129.
The operation was launched in retaliation for a deadly attack on a police post at the Mangi Dam pumping station in Ziarat, where 27 police personnel were killed. According to Radio Pakistan, nine police officers were killed on the spot, while 18 others were kidnapped and later killed. The attack has been described as a significant escalation.
Security sources, as quoted by Radio Pakistan, said Operation Shaban will continue until "the last terrorist is eliminated." Troops from the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and police are participating in the joint operation.
Recent Security Trends in Balochistan
Balochistan has faced terrorism for an extended period, according to a monthly security assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The report, cited by state media, indicates that after two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan's security situation deteriorated sharply in May, driven primarily by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The report highlighted that Balochistan was the most affected province, recording 71 terrorist attacks in May, a 109% increase compared to 34 in April. Additionally, the report noted a surge in kidnappings, with 52 of the 54 abductions reported nationwide occurring in Balochistan alone, underscoring the growing operational reach and confidence of terrorist groups in the province.
Government Response
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country's civil and military leadership had taken a "mutual and singular decision" to end terrorism, following multiple major terrorist incidents in Balochistan. He made these remarks at a meeting in Quetta, according to state media. The Prime Minister's statement underscores the government's commitment to addressing the security challenges in the region.
International and Regional Context
While the state media reports attribute the ongoing violence to terrorist groups, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has pointed to India and Afghanistan's involvement in recent attacks in Balochistan. These allegations are not independently verified and have not been corroborated by international sources.
The situation in Balochistan remains fluid, with security forces continuing their operations. The lack of independent verification of the casualty figures and operational details highlights the challenges in assessing the full scope of the conflict.