Escalating unrest in Balochistan amid reports of military operations by Pakistani Forces

Balochistan [Pakistan], April 17 : Amid rising tensions in Balochistan, reports of ongoing military operations, armed confrontations, and alleged civilian targeting have surfaced from multiple districts, including Kharan, Khuzdar and Mastung.

However, limited access and the absence of official statements have made independent verification difficult, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

According to The Balochistan Post, in Kharan, residents claimed that Pakistani forces initiated an early morning operation in areas such as Almark and Kisan. During the operation, unidentified armed men reportedly ambushed a convoy of around ten military vehicles, triggering a gun battle. Locals also reported drone activity overhead, but no confirmed details on casualties or operational outcomes have been disclosed.

Authorities have remained silent on the developments. Meanwhile, in Khuzdar's Zehri region, sources described an attack on security forces a day earlier, beginning with an explosion followed by prolonged gunfire in Sohinda.

The confrontation allegedly lasted several hours, with drones again observed in the vicinity. Some accounts accused military-backed groups of targeting civilians through shelling and detentions, though these claims remain unverified due to communication blackouts.

In the Mastung district, particularly in the Kardegap tehsil, residents reported hearing repeated explosions and heavy firing since Thursday morning.

Sources suggested a large-scale operation is underway, with intermittent clashes continuing. In response, local health authorities declared an emergency, placing facilities such as Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital Mastung on high alert, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post.

Additionally, two young men, identified as Fazil Khan and Zahir, were reportedly injured near Killi Mangi during firing by security forces.

They were shifted to the Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment. Locals claimed the victims were unarmed farmers at the time of the incident. With restricted access, disrupted communications, and no official clarification, establishing a clear account of events remains challenging, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

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