Balochistan Unrest: A Province in Turmoil

Pakistan's military has successfully wrapped up a week-long operation in Balochistan, targeting Baloch separatists responsible for a spate of violent attacks throughout the province. The separatists, from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), orchestrated a series of coordinated assaults, taking hostages and engaging in fierce battles with security forces.

The military operation, dubbed Radd Al-Fitna 1, resulted in the deaths of 216 militants amid targeted offensives. During the conflict, which began in late January, 22 security personnel and 36 civilians also lost their lives. Security forces continue to pursue militants across the region, where normalcy is slowly returning.

Strategically located Balochistan, rich in minerals and site of significant Chinese investment projects, remains tumultuous with separatists pushing for autonomy. The recent violence escalates tensions between Pakistan and India, with accusations of foreign involvement exacerbating regional relations.