Islamabad, Feb 02 (V7N) — Pakistan’s military has claimed that at least 145 separatists belonging to an armed group in Balochistan province were killed during a 40-hour-long security operation, according to a report by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera on Monday.

The casualties occurred over the last two days as part of a large-scale military response following coordinated attacks in 12 districts of Balochistan, which left 31 people dead, including 17 members of the security forces. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Following the violence, the Pakistan Army launched a special operation targeting militant hideouts in Quetta, Gwadar, Mustang, and Noshki districts. According to the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), multiple separatist bases were destroyed, and 18 suspected militants were arrested during the operation.

The military said the recent wave of violence resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians and 17 security personnel, describing the attacks as brutal and indiscriminate.

While the Baloch Liberation Army claimed that many members of the security forces were killed in its assaults, the Pakistani government and military have not independently confirmed those claims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their actions and reiterated the government’s commitment to continue operations until terrorism is completely eliminated from the country.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the attackers entered various cities, including the provincial capital Quetta, in plain clothes and carried out indiscriminate attacks on shop workers using grenades and firearms.

END/SMA/AJ