Southwest Pakistan descended into horror on Saturday. A series of large-scale offensives, orchestrated by separatists in Balochistan province, left more than 100 people dead. According to the official toll from the army (ISPR), the clashes claimed the lives of 18 civilians , 15 members of the security forces , and 92 attackers .

A large-scale operation, but "poorly executed"

The attacks struck several strategic locations, including Quetta , the provincial capital, and the port of Gwadar . The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the operation, stated that it had mobilized female units and suicide bombers to target military installations and block major roads.

Despite the scale of the casualties, the military high command in Islamabad is downplaying the effectiveness of the assault:

"The attacks were coordinated but poorly executed. They failed due to poor planning and a rapid security response."

A province under high tension

Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is the scene of a decades-long insurgency. The stakes are high:

1. Resources vs Poverty: Although rich in minerals and hydrocarbons, the province remains the poorest in the country (70% poverty), fueling a feeling of social injustice.
2. Foreign presence: The insurgents regularly target infrastructure operated by Chinese companies , which they accuse of plundering local resources.
3. Geopolitical accusations: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his support for the troops and pointed the finger at India, which Islamabad accuses of financing the rebellion.

Quetta, a dead city

In the streets of Quetta, the atmosphere remained icy throughout the day. Between successive explosions and the massive deployment of heavily armed forces, businesses closed their doors. Residents' accounts describe a deserted city where police are ordering civilians to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, serious incidents were reported in rural areas: in the Mastung district, rebels stormed a police station to free 30 detainees and seize an arsenal of weapons.