Pakistan Military has reportedly launched a large-scale military operation, involving ground and aerial forces, in Kharan district of Balochistan in the early hours of Friday, with initial reports indicating a civilian casualty in a reported drone strike.
According to local sources, the operation is continuing in the Lijje area of Kharan district, where Pakistani ground forces are reportedly receiving aerial support.
The locals have reported continued flights by military drones and helicopters over the area.
According to local reports, a farmer identified as Sultan Mohammad, son of Haji Malik Usman Sasoli, was killed in a reported drone strike during the operation. Further civilian casualties are feared as locals said, although those reports aren’t confirmed yet.
The reported incident comes amid continued military operations and aerial activity in several parts of Balochistan. On Friday, reports also emerged of airstrikes in Surab district, where local sources said more than 20 civilians, including women and children, were affected.
Drone strikes by Pakistani forces have previously been reported in parts of Kharan, Khuzdar, Zehri and Moola, with local sources alleging that several residents have been affected.
Pakistani military officials have confirmed carrying out strikes in various areas, maintaining that military operations are targeting armed groups and their positions. However, local residents and human rights groups have alleged that civilians have been among those most affected by these operations.