Pakistan says 145 militants killed after deadly Balochistan attacks

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 145 militants over about 40 hours following coordinated attacks across Balochistan, the province’s chief minister said on Sunday, marking one of the deadliest flare-ups in years.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said the death toll includes militants killed in raids on Friday and Saturday, as well as additional fighters killed during ongoing clearance operations.

The military had earlier said 92 militants were killed on Saturday.

Bugti said the latest figure represents the highest number of militants killed in such a short period since the insurgency intensified.

He said 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians were also killed in the attacks.

Attacks across multiple districts

The violence erupted simultaneously across several districts, including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung and Noshki.

Large-scale operations were launched by the army, police and counterterrorism units. Hospitals in some areas were placed on emergency footing, officials said.

The military said security forces repelled attempts by militants to seize control of any city or strategic installation.

The banned separatist group Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attacks.

A policeman stands guard near the blast site after an attack by Baloch separatists in Quetta on January 31, 2026. AFP

The group said it launched a coordinated operation dubbed “Herof,” or “black storm,” targeting security forces across the province.

Authorities said the attacks underscore the persistence of insurgent groups in the resource-rich province bordering Iran and Afghanistan.

International condemnation

The United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates condemned the attacks, expressing solidarity with Pakistan.

U.S. Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker said Washington strongly condemned the Jan. 31 attacks targeting security personnel and civilians in Balochistan, claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

She extended condolences to the victims and said the Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear.

Saudi Arabia condemned what it described as terrorist attacks carried out by separatists in various parts of Balochistan and reaffirmed its rejection of extremism and violence.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and support for Pakistan’s security and stability.

The United Kingdom said it stood with Pakistan in rejecting terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security.

Pakistan-India exchange over blame

Pakistan’s military said Saturday the attacks were carried out by what it described as “Indian-sponsored militants.”

India rejected the allegation on Sunday.

“We categorically reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan,” Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

He said Islamabad should instead address what he described as the long-standing demands of people in the region.

With additional input from Reuters.