Baluchistan: Armed Attack in Qalat, Bank Set on Fire, leading to multiple deaths and injuries

In the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, armed militants launched attacks on security force posts and government buildings in the district of Qalat, while also setting a private bank on fire.

Late on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday, dozens of militants from nearby mountains fired on security forces’ posts in the Mangi Char area of Qalat, using rocket launchers as well. During this time, armed assailants also opened fire on vehicles on the Quetta-Karachi highway, causing reports of casualties.

Deputy Commissioner of Qalat, Bilal Shabbir, confirmed the attack, stating that there was a prolonged exchange of gunfire between security forces and the militants, which disrupted traffic on the highway. Militants reportedly blocked the highway at multiple points and opened fire indiscriminately on passing vehicles, leading to multiple deaths and injuries, although official confirmation of the fatalities has not been made.

A source from the Levis force, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the militants, armed with assault rifles and rocket launchers, targeted security vehicles in the area. At least one high-speed van was fired upon near the Khazini checkpoint, resulting in multiple casualties. However, these deaths have not been officially confirmed by authorities yet. Additionally, three security personnel and another passenger were reported injured during the assault.

As a precautionary measure, the district administration temporarily closed the Quetta-Karachi highway, halting all traffic, including passenger buses, until the morning when the situation calmed. After daylight, traffic resumed, and vehicles were allowed to continue their journey.

Militants also set a private bank on fire in the Mangi Char bazaar area. The banned militant group, the Baloch Liberation Army’s Free Faction, claimed responsibility for the attack.

In recent months, there has been a surge in similar attacks by armed groups in Baluchistan. Last year, on August 26, militants blocked national highways in the areas of Qalat, Mastung, Musa Khel, and Bolan, conducting searches on passenger buses and vehicles while attacking security force posts, Levis police stations, and government and private buildings, resulting in the deaths of over 40 people.

These escalating attacks highlight the growing challenges of security in Baluchistan, where militant activities are becoming more frequent, further complicating the region’s security dynamics.