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Pakistan says 89 militants killed in Balochistan operations since July 5

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani security forces have intensified their security operations following a recent militant attack on a police station in southwestern Balochistan province, with provincial authorities saying dozens of terrorists have been killed in coordinated ground and air operations.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said on X on Saturday that "Operation Shuban" was progressing successfully after what he described as a terrorist attack on the Mangli Dam Police Station.

According to Bugti, 39 suspected militants were killed during the ongoing operation, which involves the Pakistan Army, the Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police conducting joint ground and air operations in the province's rugged mountainous terrain.

He added that 75 suspected militants have been killed in various intelligence-based operations carried out across Balochistan since July 5.

Bugti also said security forces foiled an attack on the Zehri Police Station in the Kachhar area earlier on Saturday.

"The writ of the state will be maintained in Balochistan at any cost; the terrorists cannot escape their fate," the chief minister said.

According to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at least 14 more terrorist have been killed on Saturday and total numbers of terrorist killed since July 5, now climbed to 89.

Pakistani authorities have stepped up intelligence-led operations in Balochistan following a series of attacks targeting security forces and government installations in the province, where separatist militant groups have long operated.

The military has not yet released a separate statement confirming the latest casualty figures, and the claims could not be independently verified. Militant groups have also not immediately commented on the operation.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populated province, has witnessed a decades-long insurgency involving separatist groups that accuse the federal government of exploiting the region's natural resources while neglecting local communities. Islamabad rejects the allegations, saying it is investing in infrastructure and development projects while combating militancy to restore security and stability.