41 Militants Killed in Pakistan Security Forces Operations

At least 41 militants were killed during two coordinated operations by security forces in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing, confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday (January 30).

According to the ISPR, the first operation took place in the Panjgur district, resulting in 30 deaths, while a second raid in the Harnai district claimed the lives of 11 more militants. No casualties were reported among the security personnel during these Thursday operations. The military alleged that those killed were involved in recent attacks on security posts and bank robberies. The statement also claimed the groups had external backing, though no specific evidence was provided.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate statements praising the security forces for the successful outcome. Balochistan, which shares a vast border with Afghanistan, has long been a flashpoint for separatist insurgencies and militant violence. Despite Islamabad’s claims of controlling the situation, the region continues to witness frequent clashes involving groups like the BLA and TTP.