QUETTA/ISLAMABAD– Pakistan has been rocked by one of the deadliest waves of militant violence in years, as coordinated attacks by insurgents swept across multiple districts of Balochistan on 31 January 2026, killing civilians and security personnel and prompting strong international reactions. Pakistani security forces reported killing hundreds of militants in counter-operations launched to repel the assaults, which targeted police stations, paramilitary posts and civilians in towns including Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung and Noshki. Official figures published by Reuters and other outlets say at least 15 security personnel and 18 civilians were killed during the violence, with 92 militants neutralised on Saturday and a total of 145 militants reported killed over a 40-hour period as troops, police and counter-terror units carried out widespread clearance operations. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist group, claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks.
The deteriorating security situation in Balochistan has drawn strong condemnation from key regional and global partners, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye voicing their support for Pakistan and denouncing the violence. In statements issued this week, Riyadh reaffirmed its firm rejection of terrorism and all acts of extremism, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a quick recovery to the injured, while underscoring support for Pakistan’s efforts to restore stability. and Qatar reiterating its rejection of violence in all forms. Türkiye’s foreign ministry condemned the “terrorist attacks,” offered prayers for fallen soldiers and civilians, and reaffirmed Ankara’s solidarity with Islamabad in combatting violent extremism. In addition, the United States also condemned the violence, with U.S. diplomats describing Islamabad as a steadfast partner in the fight against terrorism.
Security officials in Islamabad have attributed the surge in violence to longstanding separatist unrest combined with allegations of foreign backing, a claim that has been denied by neighbouring India. Indian authorities dismissed Pakistan’s accusations as “baseless,” urging Islamabad to focus on internal security challenges. The recent attacks represent one of the most significant escalations in the province’s long-running insurgency, which has seen sporadic violence for decades amid grievances over resource sharing and political autonomy.