Pakistani security forces have been targeted in a series of attacks across Balochistan, with various armed groups claiming responsibility.
In Kech district’s Zamuran area, a bomb struck Pakistani military personnel patrolling on foot in Kontagan. Local sources said the attack caused fatalities among the forces, but no group has claimed responsibility. Officials have yet to release a statement on the incident.
The attack occurred just two days after an IED explosion in Poganzan, also in Zamuran, which killed five soldiers and wounded several more. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for that attack, saying it targeted a convoy delivering supplies to the Sangwan post.
Meanwhile, in Sibi district, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed to have attacked a Pakistani military checkpoint in Karmowad. BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said the checkpoint was struck with small and heavy weapons at sunset, resulting in “human and material losses.”
In Quetta, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) said it carried out an attack on a police vehicle in Sariab Gahi Khan Chowk on January 7, leaving three officers critically injured. The group accused local police of collaborating with the military in operations against the Baloch independence movement.
Retaliatory gunfire from police reportedly killed a child bystander. The BLF expressed condolences to the family and urged civilians to avoid areas frequented by security forces. Later that evening, the group claimed another attack in Pasni, saying it hurled a grenade at a Coast Guard checkpoint in Katao Bangla Bazaar, injuring two personnel.
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in armed activities in recent months. “Pro-independence” groups reportedly carried out 938 attacks across the region in 2024, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. There was a 53% increase in overall attacks compared to the previous year, with fatalities rising by 80%, making 2024 one of the deadliest years for Pakistani security forces in the region.