Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan witnessed the worst atrocities by militants. At least six fatal attacks have occurred in the province in the span of a few hours from Sunday night to Monday morning. At least 74 people were killed in these attacks. These attacks indicate the severity of the escalation of violence in Balochistan. Al Jazeera.
Balochistan is a region that has seen frequent clashes between armed separatists and the country’s security forces for decades. However, the worst attack occurred in Rarasham area of Musakhel district, which is located near the border of Balochistan and Punjab. According to police data, at least 23 people were pulled out of their vehicles on Sunday night and shot dead one by one after they were identified as Punjabi migrant workers.
Law enforcement personnel were also targeted in Kalat district, 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of the provincial capital Quetta. At least 10 people were reportedly killed in the attack. Six people, including four from Punjab, were killed in Bolan district, southeast of Quetta. In separate attacks, 14 people were killed, including five members of Pakistan’s security forces. Pakistan’s military has said that security forces have retaliated and killed 21 militants in these attacks.
Several attacks have taken place in Balochistan this year. Gunmen have carried out attacks, particularly targeting civilians, law enforcement personnel and state infrastructure. Analysts said the recent attacks show that terrorist groups have increased the scope of their attacks and changed their boldness and scope of attacks. Security analyst and director of the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS) Muhammad Amir Rana told Al Jazeera, “There were major attacks on security forces in May last year as well.” But the events of the last two days are worth mentioning. Highways are blocked, rail lines are damaged. The way they (terrorists) are spreading their attacks is unprecedented.
They are showing power by spreading attacks in or near Punjab. Punjab is Pakistan’s largest, richest and most politically influential province, experts said. There workers are being targeted. Earlier there were attacks on Chinese citizens and various projects. Through this, the separatist movement wants to send a message that outsiders are not safe in Balochistan.
