Pakistan’s security forces reported killing 17 militants in intelligence-based operations across several districts of Balochistan, following a deadly suicide bombing on a passenger train in Quetta on May 24. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday that the raids were conducted in Mastung, Nushki, Zehri, Khuzdar, and Kech districts. The government identifies the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as “Fitna-al-Hindustan.” According to ISPR, the militants were killed after intense gunfights, and large quantities of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and improvised explosive devices were recovered. Search and clearance operations remain ongoing.

Balochistan has seen a sharp rise in violence in recent years. The BLA, which seeks independence for the province, accuses the central government of exploiting its natural gas and mineral resources. The group has recently intensified attacks on security forces and foreign nationals linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The government alleges that India-backed militant groups operate from inside Afghanistan, planning and training for attacks, a claim denied by both the Taliban government and India.