In a stark escalation of unrest, Balochistan’s Mastung district witnessed relentless militant assaults on Pakistani security personnel Tuesday, marking the second day of ferocious confrontations. The attacks claimed the life of Anti-Terrorism Force officer Rahmatullah Khelji and left six comrades wounded, according to confirmed reports.
Militants struck with precision in Mastung’s Dasht region, obliterating two security vehicles and looting arms from the deceased. This follows a pattern of ambushes that ignited on Sunday during a security cordon in Kambella, where armed groups unleashed a hail of bullets, prolonging skirmishes into the night.
Near Kund Masuri, locals endured the thunder of explosions and automatic fire close to a paramilitary camp for about 60 minutes. Prior to that, attackers waylaid a train escort convoy at Dagari Cross, damaging one vehicle and inflicting losses.
The Balochistan Post, quoting insiders, hints at a possibly elevated casualty figure, but authorities have withheld further details amid the chaos. This wave builds on the Baloch Liberation Army’s (BLA) recent provocations. Their spokesperson, Jiyand Baloch, claimed responsibility for 14 operations between April 3-14, eliminating 29 soldiers in districts like Pungur, Kharan, Sorab, Washuk, Uthal, Mastung, and Jhal Magsi.
Tactics included roadside bombs, sniper fire, alleged drone attacks, and seizures of key routes where 13 Levies and policemen were briefly detained before release. BLA portrays this as a pivotal stage in safeguarding Baloch territory from perceived occupation. With reinforcements rushing in, Pakistan faces mounting challenges in stabilizing its turbulent southwestern frontier.
