145 terrorists killed in 40-hour counterterror blitz

Balochistan CM says attackers failed to seize or hold ground

QUETTA:

Balochistan witnessed one of its most intense counterterrorism operations in recent years as security forces killed at least 145 terrorists within a 40-hour window, foiling a wave of coordinated attacks, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti declared on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Bugti described the operation as among the most extensive intelligence-led actions carried out in such a compressed timeframe, following multiple assaults claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, terrorists launched coordinated attacks at several locations on Saturday, targeting security installations and civilian areas across Quetta, Mastung, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni.

Security forces responded with sustained clearance operations and standoffs, killing 92 terrorists, while 18 civilians lost their lives. The military said 15 security personnel "fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom" during the operations.

At the press conference, Bugti said intelligence agencies had intercepted information indicating the attacks were imminent, allowing pre-emptive action to begin a day earlier in north-eastern Quetta, Panjgur and Sherani.

"We had intelligence reports that this was being planned, so we started operations a day before," Bugti said, adding that early intervention prevented attacks in sensitive parts of Quetta's north-eastern areas.

He said forces remained on high alert elsewhere, conducting more than 5,800 intelligence-based operations over 40 hours. "So far, we have 145 bodies. We managed to kill 145 terrorists – the highest number in 40 hours," he said.

Bugti accused militants of deliberately targeting civilians and exploiting vulnerable populations. Referring to an incident in Gwadar, he said five women and three children were killed at a family labour colony despite pleading for their lives.

He also revealed that terrorists damaged surveillance infrastructure, including Safe City cameras in Quetta, though, he added, the system had since been improved and expanded to strengthen urban monitoring and response capabilities.

The chief minister said terrorists used children as human shields during assaults in Quetta, complicating operational decisions. "They brought an 11-year-old child with them. Should the police kill an 11-year-old?" he asked.

Bugti insisted no city had been overrun and said daily life in most of Quetta continued uninterrupted. "No city was taken over. I was myself moving around Quetta," he said, adding that only one locality was temporarily affected.

He alleged the attacks were planned from Afghan territory and executed on the instructions of India, describing the militants as an external proxy, seeking to destabilise Pakistan during periods of regional tension.

"We are a responsible state – police and army. We do not want to be lethal," Bugti said. "But we will not let them go so easily. Our blood is not so cheap," he said. Do not call them Baloch. Baloch are not terrorists. They kill Baloch women and then exploit Baloch identity."

The chief minister said that the terrorists attempted to seize sensitive installations and create hostage situations, particularly in Noshki, but failed. "Noshki is now completely clear. It took time, but we cleared it," he added.

According to provincial authorities, 17 personnel from law enforcement agencies, including police and Frontier Corps, along with one navy official, were martyred. At least 31 others were injured in the attacks.

Meanwhile, amid heightened security concerns, the Balochistan government imposed Section 144 across the province for one month, effective February 1, citing recent attacks and the prevailing law-and-order situation.

An official notification stated that the display and use of weapons had been completely banned, including brandishing arms, aerial firing and carrying weapons in public or private spaces, all classified as serious offences.

The order also prohibited pillion riding on motorcycles, with possible exemptions for women and children under consideration, and banned tinted windows, unregistered vehicles and gatherings of five or more people without prior approval.

Covering the face in public using masks, mufflers or cloth was also prohibited, except for medical or legitimate reasons, with violators facing action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Police, Levies, the Frontier Corps and other agencies have been authorised to enforce the restrictions, which officials said were necessary to protect lives, support counterterrorism efforts and prevent further incidents.