Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), claimed on Monday that security forces killed 14 militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Naal area of Khuzdar, Balochistan. However, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), which claimed full control of Naal city on June 8, has issued a contradicting account, stating that its fighters continue to hold the city and that Pakistani forces are facing heavy losses and retreat.
According to ISPR, security forces launched the operation in Naal after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. The military claimed that the militants had planned to attack police stations and banks in the region and that a swift operation was conducted to foil their alleged plans.
ISPR stated that during the operation, the movement of militants was effectively blocked and forces engaged and neutralised them. In the exchange of fire, 14 militants were killed and several others wounded. One Pakistani soldier was also killed during the operation, according to the military’s statement. Four vehicles used by the militants and a number of improvised explosive devices were also destroyed.
As has been the pattern in past military operations in Balochistan, the identities of the 14 killed individuals were not disclosed by ISPR. This has raised serious concerns among human rights observers and families of the forcibly disappeared, who fear that enforced disappearance victims may have been killed in staged operations and presented as militants.
The BLF had claimed on June 8 that its fighters took full control of Naal city, seized police stations and government buildings, and set fire to what it described as a factory looting Baloch resources. BLF spokesperson Major Gahram stated that a detailed report on casualties and operational specifics would be formally released to the media shortly.
In its statement, the BLF said that following the seizure of the city, intense clashes between its fighters and advancing Pakistani forces continued at various locations. The group claimed that Pakistani forces suffered severe losses and were forced into retreat due to a tight siege by BLF fighters.
Reports and a video circulating on social media show a Pakistani helicopter burning after a crash. However, the BLF has not yet released any detailed claims regarding the incident. Local sources suspect that the helicopter may have been shot down by BLF fighters during the clash.
