Islamabad (Pakistan), 12 August (LaPresse/AP) – Pakistani security forces have killed 10 militants during clashes in the south-western province of Balochistan, which has been the scene of a separatist insurgency for years. This was reported by the Pakistani army. Around the same time, a car bomb detonated prematurely in the Surab district, killing three civilians in a nearby house and eight militants who were preparing the explosive device. Two soldiers were injured in the clashes, according to the authorities. The military operations are part of a campaign against those whom Islamabad describes as members of ‘Fitna Al Hindustan’, a term used by the Pakistani authorities to refer to Baloch separatist groups which the government accuses of being backed by India. New Delhi denies supporting militants operating in Pakistan. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest and least populous province and has long been the scene of an insurgency led by the separatist organisation Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has been banned by the authorities. In recent years, the group has carried out numerous attacks, targeting mainly the security forces, Chinese interests and infrastructure. The Pakistani Taliban, a separate group but allied with the Afghan Taliban, are also active in the province.
Pakistan: 10 militants killed in clashes in Balochistan
Islamabad (Pakistan), 12 August (LaPresse/AP) – Pakistani security forces have killed 10 militants during clashes in the south-western province of Balochistan, which has been the scene of a separatist insurgency for years. This was reported by the Pakistani army. Around the same time, a car bomb detonated prematurely in the Surab district, killing three civilians in a nearby house and eight militants who were preparing the explosive device. Two soldiers were injured in the clashes, according to the authorities. The military operations are part of a campaign against those whom Islamabad describes as members of ‘Fitna Al Hindustan’, a term used by the Pakistani authorities to refer to Baloch separatist groups which the government accuses of being backed by India. New Delhi denies supporting militants operating in Pakistan. Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest and least populous province and has long been the scene of an insurgency led by the separatist organisation Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has been banned by the authorities. In recent years, the group has carried out numerous attacks, targeting mainly the security forces, Chinese interests and infrastructure. The Pakistani Taliban, a separate group but allied with the Afghan Taliban, are also active in the province.