Clashes between ‘state-backed militias’ and Baloch fighters erupted in Balochistan’s Panjgur on Thursday, leading to the deployment of military reinforcements, including gunship helicopters.
According to reports, the clashes began in the Keelkor area of Panjgur when Baloch fighters, locally known as ‘Sarmachars,’ attacked members of the state-supported armed militia, locally known as ‘Death Squads.’ The fighting started around 11:00 AM and continued until 4:00 PM, local sources said.
Reports indicate that the Baloch fighters managed to surround the ‘Death Squad’ members for several hours. Preliminary accounts suggest that three ‘Death Squad’ members were killed and two others injured, although these details have not been independently verified.
In response, Pakistani military forces, accompanied by gunship helicopters, were sent to the area to support the militia. Witnesses reported that helicopters shelled various locations during the clashes.
No casualties among the Baloch fighters have been reported, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
‘State-backed militias,’ referred to as ‘Death Squads,’ operate throughout Balochistan. These groups are accused of engaging in criminal activities such as robbery, drug trafficking, and kidnapping for ransom, reportedly with the tacit approval of Pakistani authorities. According to Baloch groups, these militias are used to counter the Baloch freedom movement.