Pakistani Independence day has been marked by extreme violence in different parts of Balochistan. Security forces have been attacked by unidentified armed persons in many areas.
The attacks that killed or injured scores of Pakistani security forces personnel were carried out on 14 August, which is celebrated as “Pakistani independence day”.
According to reports, the first attacks were carried out in Panjgur city when groups of unidentified armed persons attacked Pakistani forces in Gichk and Parom areas. Armed persons positioned at nearby mountains attacked a convoy of Pakistani forces in Gichk. This attack happened in an area near China funded multi-billion dollar project CPEC. TBP sources reported heavy causalities suffered by the security forces, however, the exact number of dead or injured could not be ascertained.
The responsibility for attack in Gichk was claimed by Baloch Liberation Army. In a press release issued to media outlets, a spokesman of the organisation, Jeehand Baloch, confirmed that fighters from BLA attacked a convoy of Pakistani forces. Mr. Baloch claimed that at least three personnel of Pakistani forces were killed, whereas, several others were injured. BLA’s official twitter handle also corroborated Mr. Baloch’s claims.
There are also reports of attacks on Pakistani military installations in another city Awaran. Long-range rockets have also been fired at Army camp in Mand, District Kech.
In another attack, at least two personnel of Pakistan Army were critically injured in Naag. There are reports the personnel succumbed to their injuries before they could reach hospital. However, these reports could not be verified independently.
Rockets were fired at a military post in Bit Buleda area of Kech to which forces retaliated with mortar shells. One of the mortars fired by Pakistani forces landed on civilian population and injured 10 year old Rashida and her 8 year old sister Arifa. The injured children were taken to hospital.
Pakistani forces have cordoned off different areas after the attacks. The security level has been heightened all over Balochistan.
Other than the Gichk attack, the responsibility for the attacks have not been claimed by any outfit at the time of filing this report. However, different Baloch armed groups had issued statements in days leading to 14 August which warned that “severe attacks” will be carried out on the day.