Pakistani security forces thwart coordinated Balochistan attacks

Loud explosions were reported across Pakistan's Quetta on Saturday, while helicopters were seen flying overhead, creating panic among residents, according to eyewitnesses.

In response, Balochistan’s Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Health Secretary Mujib-ur-Rehman declared an emergency at hospitals across the city. All consultants, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and paramedical staff were ordered to report immediately to ensure readiness for any emergency.

Multiple militant attacks foiled across Balochistan

A series of coordinated militant attacks was attempted across Balochistan on Wednesday in a campaign referred to by the perpetrators as “Herof 2.0.” Pakistani security forces responded quickly at all locations, neutralizing attackers and regaining control within hours.

Security officials said the attacks were carried out by Fitna-al-Hindustan, a network linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which is also designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States. Despite claims by the group and media affiliated with it, the attacks caused no significant damage.

Coordinated attacks and responses

In Quetta’s Saryab Road area, militants targeted a police van. Police returned fire while Frontier Corps troops reinforced the response, killing four attackers and securing the area.

In Nushki, militants attacked the FC headquarters with gunfire. Alert troops forced them to retreat without causing damage. Dalbandin also saw explosions near the FC headquarters, but security forces cordoned off the area and maintained control.

In Kalat, attackers targeted the Deputy Commissioner’s office and police lines, triggering a firefight. Authorities repelled the militants, preventing further escalation. Attacks were also attempted in Pasni and Gwadar, including distant fire on security posts and labor settlements.

Grenade and small-arms attacks were reported at posts in Balicha, Tump, Mastung, and Kharan, all of which were successfully repelled.

Situation under control

Officials said the situation across Balochistan remained under control. Only two to three security personnel sustained minor injuries, and no strategic installations were damaged.

Authorities said the attacks followed recent counter-terrorism operations in which more than 50 militants were killed. Security analysts described the violence as a desperate attempt by militant groups to compensate for heavy losses.

Officials blamed senior BLA figures operating from outside Pakistan, including Afghanistan, for orchestrating the attacks. Analysts also noted that local recruits are often used in high-risk operations, including suicide attacks, resulting in casualties later misrepresented by militant propaganda.

The increasing targeting of civilian areas, including labor settlements, further underscores the criminal character of the groups, officials said, contradicting their claims of representing Baloch interests.

Despite claims of success, officials said “Herof 2.0” demonstrated poor planning, weak execution, and rapid collapse under professional security responses.