Pakistani forces were reportedly targeted in a bomb attack near Quetta on Tuesday, while armed fighters took control of Radig in Mand and attacked a forces’ camp, as several police personnel were abducted in separate incidents across Balochistan in recent days.
Pakistani forces came under attack in the Tera Mile area of Dasht, near Quetta, where an explosion targeted personnel conducting a clearance operation on foot.
Sources said Pakistani troops suffered casualties. However, authorities had not provided any details at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, a large number of armed fighters entered Radig in Mand tehsil of Kech district on Monday, established checkpoints at several locations and took control of the area, according to local sources.
A Pakistani forces’ camp was also attacked, while heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in the area. The sources said the fighters took control of a customs check post and set it ablaze, while a quadcopter was also reportedly shot down.
Baloch pro-independence armed groups are active in the area and regularly carry out attacks on Pakistani forces. Last Friday, armed fighters also entered the Balochabad and Bullo areas of Mand and maintained control for several hours.
No group had claimed responsibility for the Quetta or Mand attacks at the time of publication.
The incidents come as a series of abductions involving government and police officials have been reported from Kharan, Quetta, Mastung and Chagai within 48 hours.
Kharan Deputy Commissioner Muneer Ahmed Soomro was abducted on Sunday at Patkin Barshonki while travelling from Quetta to Kharan. Police constable and gunman Mohammad Yousuf, police driver Peerak and a guest identified as Nasrullah, who were accompanying him, were also abducted.
A day earlier, armed men set up a roadblock near Panjpai in Quetta and abducted three police personnel, including an RRG official. Police said the personnel were posted in Quetta and were travelling to attend a wedding.
Another police officer, Abdul Rasool Sumalani, was abducted by armed individuals from the Daringarh area of Mastung on Saturday.
Acting Station House Officer (SHO) Gul Shah Khan Mohammad Hasni was also abducted from Chagai the same day.
None of those abducted had been reported recovered at the time of publication.