Balochistan Violence: Four Fighters Dead in Barkhan Clashes, Military Operation in Mastung

Four Baloch fighters lost their lives in a violent clash with a ‘state-backed’ armed group in Barkhan, Balochistan, on Friday. The fighting, which took place in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil, involved heavy weapons and lasted for several hours. The casualties were identified as Mustafa Noor, Samiullah, Rasaan Qadir, and Shahzaib. Their bodies were subsequently transported to a Rakni hospital. The opposing group has been described as a pro-government militia, alleged to be operating under the protection of Pakistani military and intelligence agencies. Despite the severity of the incident, Pakistani authorities have not issued any official statements. In a separate development, a military operation by Pakistani forces in the Spilinji area of Mastung district led to intense fighting. Troops entered the mountainous region late Thursday night, resulting in extensive gunfire and explosions. Casualties were reported on both sides, but the exact figures are currently unknown. No Baloch armed group has claimed responsibility for the Spilinji clashes, which underscores the continued volatility in the region, where nationalist groups and state forces are in constant conflict.