World News | Four Baloch Fighters Killed in Intense Gun Battle with Pro-government Militia in Barkhan
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Four Baloch fighters were killed in a clash with a state-backed group in Barkhan, Balochistan. Heavy fighting also occurred in Mastung during a military operation. The conflict highlights ongoing violence between Baloch nationalist groups and Pakistani forces in the region.
Barkhan (Balochistan) [Pakistan], June 8 (ANI): Four Baloch fighters were killed in a fierce clash with a "state-backed" armed group in Balochistan's Barkhan district on Friday, reports The Balochistan Post.
The confrontation occurred in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil and lasted several hours. Residents reported the use of heavy weapons on both sides during the exchange of fire.
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The deceased have been identified as Mustafa Noor of Tasp, Panjgur; Samiullah from Malai Bazaar, Turbat; Rasaan Qadir of Dansar, Awaran; and Shahzaib from Guni, Greshag. Their bodies were later transferred to a hospital in Rakni.
As per The Balochistan Post, the opposing group involved in the clash is a "state-backed death squad," a term widely used by residents and activists for pro-government militias believed to be operating under the protection of Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies.
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Despite the severity of the incident, Pakistani authorities have not released any official statement regarding the confrontation.
In a separate incident, heavy fighting was reported in the Spilinji area of Mastung district during a military operation carried out by Pakistani forces. According to The Balochistan Post, large contingents of troops entered the mountainous region late Thursday night. Following their arrival, intense gunfire and multiple explosions were reported, indicating a prolonged engagement. There were casualties on both sides, and ambulances and reinforcements were seen entering the area.
The exact number of dead or wounded remains unknown, and no Baloch armed group has so far claimed responsibility for the clashes in Spilinji.
Armed Baloch groups have long been active in the region and have previously carried out attacks on military convoys and installations. The recent events underscore the persistent volatility in Balochistan, where conflict between nationalist groups and state forces continues to escalate. (ANI)
(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)