Islamabad, 16 August (H.S.): Pakistan’s military has launched a large-scale operation in the Lajay area of Balochistan’s Kharan district, with the Pakistan Air Force providing aerial support. Military aircraft and drones have reportedly been conducting strikes in areas suspected of harbouring insurgents. A farmer was killed in one such attack on August 15.
According to a report by The Balochistan Post, the military operation began on August 14. Security forces have been receiving air support, with fighter jets and drones carrying out strikes in areas where the presence of insurgents is suspected.
Local sources said farmer Sultan Mohammad, son of Haji Malik Usman Sasoli, was killed in the attacks. Military drones and helicopters were reportedly still operating over the area. Local sources also expressed fears that several civilians may have been killed in the strikes.
The report further alleged that Pakistani security forces targeted more than 20 civilians, including women and children, in Surab district. Drone strikes in different areas of Kharan, Samet, Khuzdar, Zehri and Mulla reportedly affected several members of the same family.
Pakistani military officials have confirmed that operations were being conducted in the region, saying that armed group positions were being targeted.
According to local sources, Pakistani fighter jets carried out strikes in the Gadar Gondan area of Surab district on August 12, reportedly leaving several people dead and injured. The number of casualties was put at 27.
Balochistan’s nationalist political groups and human rights organisations have strongly condemned the reported strikes and expressed concern over the impact of military operations on civilians.
Meanwhile, Khuzdar police authorities dismissed reports that the curfew in the city had been lifted as rumours. Police said the curfew would remain in force until further notice, from 8 pm to 10 am every day.
Curfews are also already in effect in the districts of Surab, Kalat, Mastung and Nushki amid heightened security concerns.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
