Provincial interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced that security forces successfully thwarted three coordinated terrorist attacks in the Mach area of Balochistan on Monday night, as per Dawn.
Achakzai took to social media on X to disclose that the militants were affiliated with the Aslam Acho group. Fortunately, no harm was inflicted on installations, and there were no casualties among security personnel.
He stated that the terrorists retreated, with security forces actively pursuing them. Achakzai expressed optimism that all threats would be neutralized by dawn, as per Dawn’s report.
Initial reports had mentioned several rockets fired from the hills in Mach. However, Achakzai clarified on X that no losses were reported, with law enforcement agencies remaining on high alert.
The Superintendent of Mach Central Jail, Saleem Tareen, confirmed that the jail facility remained intact, ensuring the safety of inmates, staff, and the building. “The forces around the jail are fully vigilant,” he added.
Two individuals injured in Mach were transferred to a trauma center in Quetta, according to the provincial health department. In response to the attacks, hospitals in Quetta and Mach declared emergencies, issuing instructions to medical staff to be ready, bolster hospital security, and stockpile necessary medical supplies.
“All doctors and staff have been instructed to report for duty immediately. Hospital security has been reinforced to handle any untoward incidents. Measures have been taken to procure medicines, medical equipment, lab supplies, and ensure an ample stock of blood,” the statement read.
The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), advocating for complete independence for Balochistan. This incident raises concerns, especially with the February 8 general elections in Pakistan only 10 days away.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, following the cessation of the ceasefire between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.
A recent annual security report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies highlighted 1,524 fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023. KP and Balochistan were identified as primary centers of violence, with over 90% of fatalities and 84% of attacks occurring in these regions.
On January 18, Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes against targets within Iranian territory, targeting facilities associated with alleged Pakistani Baloch separatist groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front, as reported by Dawn.
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