The Pakistani security forces have reportedly cordoned off multiple areas of Balochitan’s Mach, Bolan and their environs, as a large-scale military operation in the region enters its fourth day. The ground troops, assisted by gunship helicopters flying overhead, are advancing deep into the region, The Balochistan Post has learned from local sources.
The operation has caused severe disruption to the communication and transportation system in Mach and Bolan, putting the region in a lockdown which has led to shortages of food and other essentials. The routes leading in and out of the region have been blocked, making it impossible to move patients and materials to and fro.
The ISPR, media wing of Pakistani army, claimed two days earlier that security forces had acted on intelligence reports and blocked several routes leading in and out of Mach. The forces had stopped three armed groups who were on their way to their camps, it said.
The ISPR said that the groups had opened fire on the security forces, leading to an armed confrontation where two of the armed men were killed. However, the identity of the alleged killed armed men could not be confirmed.
The Pakistani officials have not commented on the ongoing operation in Mach and Bolan.