Five civilians, six militants killed in separate Panjgur attacks

• Midnight ambushes target residences of tribesmen in Khudabadan and Ramkan

• Six militants killed in pursuit by security forces, says DSP

• No group claim responsibility for assaults as security forces launch hunt for terrorists

 QUETTA: At least 11 people, including six militants and five civilians, were killed in two coordinated attacks in the suburbs of Balochistan’s Panjgur district in the early hours of Sunday, officials said.

The violence began around midnight, targeting the homes of pro-government tribal residents in the Khudabadan and Ramkan neighborhoods of Panjgur city. The attacks lasted approximately three hours, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Javed Ahmed told Arab News.

“Five residents of Panjgur city were killed in the midnight ambushes,” DSP Ahmed told Arab News, adding, “Six terrorists were also neutralized as security forces pursued the attackers.”

No group has immediately claimed responsibility, though ethnic Baloch militant groups have a history of targeting tribal leaders and residents perceived as supporting the state. Authorities have particularly blamed outlawed groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army, which continues to receive alleged backing from foreign entities, including India.

“The bodies of the civilians were shifted to the hospital and later handed over to their heirs for burial,” DSP Ahmed added.

This incident marks the second major attack targeting civilians in Panjgur in just over a month. On February 24, at least six people were killed when gunmen struck near the Pakistan-Iran border, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the district.

Authorities said the terrorist groups have increasingly focused on law enforcement personnel and security forces in Balochistan, intensifying attacks on checkpoints, tribal leaders, and government installations.

In response, the Pakistani Interior Ministry earlier this month announced the deployment of two wings of the Federal Constabulary paramilitary force, comprising roughly 3,000 troops, to Balochistan. The move aims to bolster security and restore stability in the terrorism-affected province.

Security analysts warned that despite enhanced deployments, the rugged terrain and terrorists networks pose continuing threats, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated intelligence and community-based counterterrorism measures.