Balochistan: Widespread Military Offensives Continue Amid Rising Armed Resistance
SHAAL (QUETTA): Pakistani military forces have launched large-scale ground and aerial offensives across several districts in Balochistan, including Nushki, Surab, Jhao and Mastung. The escalation comes amid a noticeable uptick in armed resistance by Baloch pro-freedom groups targeting Pakistani security forces.
Local sources report that military helicopters have been flying in and out of key areas, particularly around army camps and mountainous regions. Significant deployments of commandos have been confirmed in various locations, with heavy troop movement observed throughout the day.
In Nushki, offensives are focused on the mountain ranges of Dosy, Munjaroo, Hazhda Khol, Mohammadi, as well as the areas of Gorbarat, Bado Dhore and Shor Parod. Residents say these regions are under siege, with the Pakistani army establishing temporary camps and cordoning off entire villages.
This morning, ground and aerial raids also began in Surab and its surrounding areas, following a reported attack last night on a military checkpoint. Armed attackers targeted the forces’ camp, sparking a gun battle after security personnel attempted to encircle them.
Simultaneously, the Jhao region of Awaran and the Spilinji area of Mastung are also witnessing intense military aggression. Helicopter support has been a visible part of these missions since yesterday, signalling a coordinated crackdown across multiple districts.
The surge in military activity coincides with a sharp increase in attacks on Pakistani forces by Baloch pro-independence armed organisations. In a significant development earlier today, July 19, a high-ranking Pakistani official was killed in a bomb blast in Quetta. No group has claimed responsibility yet, but the incident underscores the deteriorating security landscape in the region.
Baloch armed resistance groups have recently intensified their operations, targeting military convoys, checkpoints and intelligence personnel in retaliation for ongoing human rights abuses, enforced disappearances and military offensives against in Balochistan.
The situation remains tense, with fears of further violence and civilian displacement as Pakistan’s military expands its operations. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised alarms over extrajudicial killings, aerial bombardments and collective punishments in Balochistan — concerns that are likely to grow as the conflict escalates.
