Pakistan readies for large-scale attack on Balochistan separatists | Military Update

Pakistan has initiated a comprehensive military operation in Balochistan following a series of deadly attacks in the province. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly gave the go-ahead for the operation, targeting separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The operation details have not been disclosed, and it is unclear if China and Iran will be involved. China has expressed support for joint counterterrorism exercises in Pakistan after its citizens were attacked. The BLA has been blamed for targeting innocent civilians and hindering Pakistan’s economic progress. Balochistan, rich in resources, has been a hotspot for armed rebel groups seeking independence. In a separate incident, the Pakistani military confirmed that 12 soldiers were killed in an attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan also claimed responsibility for another attack in the same province that left eight people dead. In Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported killing three separatists in Sistan and Baluchestan as part of their extensive military operation. Last month, Pakistani military conducted air strikes at the request of Iran targeting the armed separatist group Jaish al-Adl. The recent surge of violence in both countries underscores the complex security challenges they face.

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