47 Militants Eliminated in Balochistan by Pakistani Security Forces; Mobile and Internet Services Suspended Until August 31st

Pakistani security forces have killed at least 47 militants in Balochistan province, near the Afghan border, over the past two days. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistani army, an operation in the Sambaza area of Zhob district resulted in the elimination of 33 militants during the night of August 7-8. Additionally, a separate operation in the areas around Sambaza, bordering Afghanistan, on the night of August 8-9, led to the deaths of 14 more militants. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists. Mobile and internet services in Balochistan province have been suspended until August 31st due to unspecified security concerns. The Balochistan government requested the suspension of these services, as confirmed by a notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department on August 6th. The government’s spokesperson, Shahid Rind, confirmed this decision. Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14th. There are concerns that terrorists may attempt to disrupt the celebrations, leading to heightened vigilance by the authorities. A recent bomb blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in northwestern Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to 13 others, including three police officers. The explosion occurred near a police patrol vehicle at a taxi stand in the Wana tehsil of South Waziristan district. Militant attacks have increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces since November 2022, when the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended a ceasefire with the government.