Pakistani security forces killed five militants in an intense shootout and successfully freed 23 hostages in the country’s restive southwest, the military announced on Sunday. While the operation resulted in the rescue of the captives, it remained unclear exactly when the initial abduction occurred.
The militants had established an illegal checkpoint near Kalat in Balochistan province overnight into Saturday. According to a military statement, the group was stopping vehicles at this location to extort money, seize vehicles, and abduct individuals for ransom. During the operation, security forces recovered six trucks, three buses, and two cars, along with various weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The military identified the five killed militants as members of “Fitna al-Hindustan.” This is a term the Pakistani government uses to refer to the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army and other separatist groups operating in Balochistan that demand independence. The Pakistani government alleges these groups are supported by India, an accusation that New Delhi has previously denied.
No casualties were reported among the security forces or the abductees during the rescue. Troops are currently searching the surrounding area for any remaining militants. Balochistan has been the site of a long-running insurgency, with various separatist groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army, staging attacks that primarily target security forces and individuals from Punjab traveling to the province for business or employment. Although Pakistani authorities claim to have quelled the insurgency, violence in the region has persisted.
