Clash in Southwest Pakistan Results in Death of 4 Security Forces and 1 Militant, Authorities Report

A group of militants launched an attack on a security post in the Baluchistan province of southwest Pakistan, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the deaths of three police officers, one paramilitary soldier, and one militant, officials confirmed on Sunday.

Abdul Salam Baloch, the local police chief, disclosed that one of the militants was also neutralized, while the remaining assailants managed to escape into the mountainous terrain of Shirani district, adjacent to North Waziristan, where they have established multiple hideouts.

Baloch further revealed that the attackers employed hand grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and assault rifles during their assault on the joint security post manned by police and paramilitary forces.

Bilal Shabbir, a high-ranking administrative officer in Shirani district, reported that two militants and one paramilitary trooper sustained injuries during the prolonged exchange of gunfire, which lasted approximately two hours. Shabbir added that the attackers successfully fled the scene with their wounded accomplices. Meanwhile, security forces have initiated a search operation in the area, including the surrounding mountains, aiming to locate and eliminate the perpetrators.

Abdul Quddoos Bizenjo, the provincial government’s leader, condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow for the loss of the four security personnel.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the assault; however, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned organization, is known to operate in the area and has been involved in previous attacks on security forces in recent months.

While the TTP maintains a distinct identity, it remains allied with the Afghan Taliban, who assumed control of the neighboring country in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces concluded their withdrawal. The Taliban’s rise in Afghanistan has emboldened the Pakistani Taliban, leading to an escalation of attacks on police and troops after unilaterally terminating a ceasefire with the government.

Over the past few years, Pakistan’s military has conducted significant operations in the tribal belt along the Afghan border, which has long served as a sanctuary for both local and foreign militants. However, sporadic attacks by militants continue to pose a threat in the region.

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• Militants Attack Security Post in Pakistan’s Baluchistan Province
• Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
• Pakistan’s Military Operations in Tribal Belt