Eight men have reportedly been forcibly disappeared during a military operation in Balochistan’s Noshki district, local sources said.
The Pakistan Army conducted a three-day operation in the mountainous regions of Noshki earlier this week. The operation involved the deployment of personnel at multiple locations, with helicopters, including gunship aircraft, used to target the area.
Reports claim that eight individuals were detained by security forces during the operation, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Those identified include Mullah Nazeer Sumalani, Faqeer Muhammad Sumalani, Jan Muhammad Sumalani, Zafarullah (son of Jan Muhammad Sumalani), Muhammad Waris Sumalani, and Hashim (son of Syed Khan Sasoli). Two unidentified passersby were also reportedly detained.
Residents alleged that homes were set on fire, and mortar shells were fired into populated areas during the operation.
On Thursday night, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for an attack targeting military personnel involved in the operation. In a statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said its fighters used automatic weapons and grenade launchers in the assault. The group claimed two soldiers were killed and four others injured.
The Pakistani military has not released any statements regarding the operation or the reported disappearances.