A series of gun and bomb attacks across Pakistan's south-western Balochistan province have killed 31 civilians and 17 security service personnel, according to Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.
In a violent response, security forces killed at least 145 attackers during a prolonged 40-hour gun battle with militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) who claimed responsibility for the strikes.
This escalation of violence marks a troubling trend in the impoverished yet resource-rich province, where the Pakistani government has been confronting an ethnic insurgency for decades.
Further complicating the situation, Pakistan has accused India of supporting the BLA, a claim that Delhi has consistently denied.
The attacks, which targeted hospitals, schools, banks, and markets, were carried out by assailants masquerading as civilians, leading to indiscriminate violence against ordinary people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the military's efforts, vowing to continue the fight against terrorism vigorously.
The BLA has characterized its offensive as a coordinated operation named 'Herof', claiming substantial casualties among Pakistani security forces and voicing long-standing grievances over resource exploitation in Balochistan.
Balochistan, covering nearly 44% of Pakistan's territory, holds abundant natural resources but remains plagued by unrest and claims of governmental neglect towards the local populace.
