Pakistani Army Offensives in Kalat Continue for Third Day

QUETTA: A violent military offensive by the Pakistani army has been ongoing for the past three days in the Gishk area of Johan, Kalat. The operation involves SSG commandos, the Air Force, and other branches of the Pakistani armed forces.

According to Humgaam News, a local Urdu news site, Pakistani forces have surrounded a camp of Baloch fighters in Gishk since August 22, leading to intense clashes.

Gunship helicopters have been indiscriminately shelling the besieged areas, home to farmers and nomadic Baloch people engaged in farming and livestock herding.

Local sources report that on August 23, at least seven military helicopters were seen heading toward Gishk, although it remains unclear whether they were dispatched for rescue operations or further shelling.

The Pakistani military has deployed several SSG commandos via helicopter and has intermittently bombarded the area with gunships. 

Baloch fighters are reportedly resisting the offensives of Pakistan army. “The fighting is intense and fierce,” a local source told Baloch Warna News.

Multiple ambulances were seen in nearby areas, and some vehicles were observed carrying military casualties. However, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties on the Baloch insurgents’ side.

Experts suggest that the continuous and extensive military siege over the last three days indicates that the Baloch insurgents, despite being under-supplied and lacking resources, are bravely resisting the Pakistani military.

Due to the complete siege, timely access to information is challenging. The situation in the Kalat-Gishk area remains tense and unclear. 

At the time of filing this report, no statement has been issued by any pro-independence organisation regarding the clashes. The Pakistani military and media have also not reported on the ongoing offensives in Kalat, Johan, and other areas.