In a recent incident in Mach city, Balochistan, militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked the area. The attack, reported on social media platform X, involved a few rockets fired from the hilly areas of Mach. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the security forces, and no damage was inflicted on installations, as per statements from the concerned minister.
The militants, identified as part of the Aslam Acho group, reportedly retreated after the attack. Security forces are actively pursuing them, and authorities express hope that all threats will be eliminated before dawn. The Law Enforcement agencies are on high alert, ensuring the safety of the region.
Mach Central Jail Superintendent Saleem Tareen reassured the public that the jail facility remained undamaged, with both staff and prisoners safe. Forces around the jail are on full alert to prevent any potential security breaches.
Following the attacks, the provincial health department declared an emergency in Quetta and Mach hospitals. In a Facebook statement, they directed medical personnel to be on duty immediately, reinforced hospital security, and gathered necessary medical supplies, equipment, and blood stocks. Two injured individuals from Mach were promptly moved to a trauma center in Quetta for medical attention.
The responsibility for the attack has been claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned militant group operating in Balochistan. The BLA advocates for complete independence for Balochistan and has been involved in various insurgent activities against the Pakistani state.
This incident raises concerns, especially with the upcoming February 8 general elections just 10 days away. The security situation in Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terror activities in the past year, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 has contributed to this uptick.
According to an annual security report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan experienced a record six-year high in violence-related fatalities in 2023. Balochistan and KP were the primary centers of violence, accounting for over 90% of all fatalities and 84% of attacks, including terrorism incidents and security forces operations.
Notably, on January 18, Pakistan retaliated against purported Pakistani Baloch separatist groups by launching strikes within Iranian territory. The military’s operation targeted hideouts used by terrorist organizations, including the BLA and Balochistan Liberation Front. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are actively working to address the security challenges in the region.
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