Four Baloch fighters were killed in a fierce clash with a ‘state-backed’ armed group in the Barkhan district of Balochistan on Friday. The fighting took place in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil and lasted for several hours. Witnesses reported the use of heavy weaponry during the intense exchange of fire.
The deceased were identified as Mustafa Noor, Samiullah, Rasaan Qadir, and Shahzaib. Their bodies were taken to a Rakni hospital following the battle. The opposing group is described as a ‘state-backed death squad,’ a term commonly used to refer to pro-government militias believed to be operating under the protection of Pakistani military and intelligence agencies. Despite the severity of the incident, Pakistani authorities have yet to release an official statement.
In a related incident, heavy fighting erupted in the Spilinji area of Mastung district during a military operation by Pakistani forces. A large contingent of troops entered the mountainous region late Thursday night, resulting in intense gunfire and multiple explosions. There were casualties on both sides, with ambulances and reinforcements entering the area. The exact number of dead or wounded remains unknown, and no Baloch armed group has claimed responsibility for the clashes in Spilinji. The ongoing instability in Balochistan underscores the escalating conflict between nationalist groups and state forces.