More than 70 killed in Balochistan attacks; Pakistan vows revenge

#Pakistan #Balochistan #BLA More than 70 killed in Balochistan attacks; Pakistan vows revenge Death toll from multiple attacks in Pakistan's Balochistan surged to 70, Al Jazeera reported, citing military, police officials. The injured were moved to a hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, the nearest large medical facility. As per Pakistan military, 14 soldiers and police officers were also killed during retaliation. The army claimed it shot down 21 terrorists in response to the major attack that targeted vehicles on a major highway in Bela. In a separate attack in Musakhel district, local officials said at least 23 civilians were killed after attackers reportedly stopped their convoy. 10 people, including 5 police officers, 5 civilians, were reportedly killed in Kalat during an attack on a police post and a highway. Rail traffic to Quetta was also suspended following blasts on a rail bridge in the town of Bolan on August 26. 6 unidentified bodies have been found by the police so far, near the attack site on the railway bridge. Pakistani President, Interior Minister, in separate statements, called the Musakhel attack "barbaric" and vowed that the attackers would not be spared. The attacks came shortly after the Balochistan Liberation Army warned people to stay away from highways in the province. The BLA on August 26 claimed full responsibility for the attack, releasing an official circular after the completion of 'Operation Herof'. As per Al Jazeera, Armed groups like the BLA in the province have secessionist aims, often targeting laborers from Punjab coming to the area for work. #Pakistan #Balochistan #BLA