Baloch militants claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks in Pakistan’s volatile southwest, resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 individuals, as reported by local media outlets on Sunday.
The first incident occurred in the Noshki area of Balochistan province, where nine young men from Punjab were brutally killed. Gunmen intercepted their bus, identified them as Punjabi, and subsequently kidnapped and murdered them before dumping their bodies under a nearby bridge. The victims, who were en route to Iran with plans to eventually reach Europe via Turkiye, had valid visas for Iran and Iraq to avoid detection by Iranian immigration authorities.
In a separate attack on the same highway, two individuals lost their lives when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle after they attempted to break through a cordon. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for both incidents, further escalating tensions in the region.
The government has vowed to take strict action against the militants responsible for these heinous acts. Baloch nationalists have long accused individuals from Punjab of exploiting Balochistan’s rich mineral resources, leading to frequent violent attacks against them. The recent spate of attacks, including strikes in Mach town, Gwadar port, and a naval base in Turbat, underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the region. Security forces have reportedly neutralized 17 militants in response to these attacks.