QUETTA: Pakistani security forces have stepped up operations against militant networks across Balochistan, killing several suspected terrorists, destroying a hideout, seizing explosive materials and arresting an alleged militant in a series of actions in different districts.
In the latest development, security forces killed Hamdullah, described by security sources as a most-wanted member of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), in Chagai district.
Hamdullah had reportedly been associated with the group for eight years and was involved in extortion and targeted killings of unarmed civilians. He was also known for releasing masked videos containing threats, according to the sources. His death brings an end to his reported involvement in militant activities.
Meanwhile, security forces killed nine militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan (BLA) in an intelligence-based operation in Awaran district.
During the operation, troops used an armed quadcopter to carry out a precision strike on a militant hideout, killing all nine militants inside, security sources said.
The operation followed a series of security actions across Balochistan on November 10, when forces killed six suspected militants, destroyed a suspected hideout and arrested an alleged active member of Fitna al-Hindustan (FAH).
In the first operation, security forces killed six FAH militants, including commander Bichkand, during an area-clearance operation in Abbar North, Noshki. The action followed intelligence reports about the presence of the commander and five other militants in the area.
In a separate operation in Gwadar, security forces destroyed a suspected militant hideout in the Sholi area of Akra and recovered explosives, equipment and a vehicle.
The recovered material included four bags containing explosives or urea, explosive girders, an improvised explosive device (IED), a vehicle and communication equipment.
Security personnel also arrested an alleged active FAH member during routine patrolling in Dalbandin.
Elsewhere in Kachhi district, security forces foiled an ambush targeting a convoy travelling to conduct a search operation.
According to the account provided by security sources, hostile elements opened fire on the convoy in an attempt to disrupt its movement. However, personnel responded immediately with effective fire, killing one attacker and forcing the remaining assailants to flee into the surrounding terrain.
Separately, tensions escalated in Noshki after local residents set fire to the house of a man accused of links with the BLA, following the killing of a local resident and the deaths of two alleged attackers.
According to local accounts, armed men linked to the BLA shot dead Jahanzeb, son of Muhammad Naeem and a resident of Ghareebabad, in broad daylight.
The attackers reportedly attempted to flee but were intercepted by local residents. Jahanzeb’s brother confronted them and killed both men at the scene, sources said.
The two suspects were identified as Altaf Jamaldini, son of Muhammad Azeem, and Zubair Ahmed, son of Muhammad Abid. Both were reportedly residents of Ghareebabad and alleged BLA operatives.
On Wednesday morning, residents set fire to Altaf Jamaldini’s house, reflecting the anger that followed the killing.
The incidents underscore the continuing security challenges in Balochistan, where attacks on civilians and security personnel have fuelled tensions in several districts. Security operations and local resistance have added to pressure on armed groups operating in the province.
