5 militants killed as Pakistani security forces foil terror attack in Balochistan

January 30, 2024

- Outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army carried out overnight attacks in Mach town, says caretaker minister

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Pakistani authorities said on Tuesday that their security forces thwarted an overnight militant attack in southwestern Balochistan province, killing at least five terrorists.

Provincial caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai said the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out attacks in Mach town.

"After the clearance operation in #Mach, Balochistan, a dead body of a terrorist recovered. There are many more. So far reports, five terrorists were neutralized," Achakzai said on X.

Earlier, local media reported that BLA militants targeted several facilities, including Mach railway station and Mach jail, and clashed with security forces for several hours.

However, Achakzai said security forces prevented the attacks.

"The courage and dedication displayed by our Armed Forces in protecting lives is truly commendable," he added.

The Balochistan Liberation Army has been carrying out terrorist attacks on security forces and law enforcement for years, claiming that the federal government has ignored people in the mineral province in shaping the country's economic policies.

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest but poorest province, and it is a vital link in the $64 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).