Two brothers were killed after unidentified armed men opened fire on them in the Tump area of Balochistan’s Kech district on Sunday, with local residents alleging the involvement of armed groups commonly known as “death squads.”
The victims were identified as Zubair Nabeel and Jameel Nabeel, sons of Master Nabeel and residents of Kolahu.
According to reports, the brothers came under attack during the evening and sustained critical injuries. Family members told The Balochistan Post that they were taken to a nearby medical facility, but both later succumbed to their injuries.
Relatives said the absence of adequate medical facilities in the area had contributed to their deaths, noting that Turbat, where better-equipped hospitals are available, is approximately 85 kilometres away.
Local residents alleged that the attackers were affiliated with armed groups commonly referred to as “death squads.”
Such groups have repeatedly been accused by local communities and rights activists of operating with the backing of Pakistani military and intelligence agencies. Pakistani authorities have denied supporting armed groups involved in targeted killings and other abuses.
The killings come amid continuing reports of targeted attacks in Balochistan, particularly in Kech and neighbouring Panjgur, where local residents and rights groups have frequently blamed similar incidents on alleged state-backed armed groups.
Local residents and rights groups say hundreds of young men have been killed in such attacks over the past two years, although responsibility has rarely been officially established and many of the cases remain unresolved.