Pakistan: 40 people die in separate attacks by gunmen across Balochistan

Armed men launched attacks on Levies and police stations in Mastung, Kalat, Pasni, and Suntsar late Sunday night, resulting in multiple fatalities, reported Dawn News.

According to reports, grenade attacks and explosion were also reported from Sibi, Panjgur, Mastung, Turbat, Bela, and Quetta.

Officials confirmed to Dawn News that the attackers blew up a railway track connecting Pakistan and Iran near Mastung’s bypass area.

The overnight incidents across the Kalat district left 11 people, including security personnel dead, and six injured, Kalat Superintendent of Police (SP) Dostain Dashti told Dawn News.

According to reports, unidentified people attacked Pasni police station and thrashed personnel. They also set three vehicles and motorcycles on fire.

Another police station in Suntsar, a coastal town of Gwadar, was also ransacked by attackers who escaped with weapons.

“Four Levies sepoys — Ahsanullah, Ali Akbar, Rehmatullah, and Nasibullah — were among those martyred in the clashes, while police sub-inspector Huzoor Baksh, a tribal elder, and two civilians were also among those who lost their lives,” SP Dashti said.

Kalat Assistant Commissioner Aftab Lasi was injured in an exchange of fire, district commissioner Naeem Bazai had earlier confirmed to Dawn, adding that the official was in stable condition.

At least 23 passengers were offloaded from buses and trucks in Balochistan's  Musakhel area which left at least 23 people dead, media reports said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ayub Achakzai told Geo News that armed men blocked the inter-provincial highway and offloaded passengers from the vehicles.

Police and other security officials rushed to the spot.

The deceased people were shifted to hospital.

Speaking during Geo News programme "Geo Pakistan", Balochistan government's spokesperson Shahid Rind said that the militants had attacked on two to three fonts where they faced retaliation and resistance from the security forces and law enforcement agenceis (LEAs).

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday said 21 terrorists were killed by security forces during this phase.

“Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies immediately responded and successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and sent twenty-one terrorists to hell in ensuing clearance operations, ensuring security and protection of local populace,” the ISPR said in the statement as quoted by Dawn News.