Four Baloch fighters were killed in a violent confrontation with a ‘state-backed’ armed group in Balochistan’s Barkhan district on Friday. The clash, which occurred in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil, saw the use of heavy weapons and lasted for several hours. The victims have been identified as Mustafa Noor, Samiullah, Rasaan Qadir, and Shahzaib; their bodies were taken to a Rakni hospital.
The opposing group is alleged to be a ‘state-backed death squad,’ a term used by locals for pro-government militias believed to be backed by Pakistani military and intelligence. Pakistani authorities have not commented on the incident.
Simultaneously, intense fighting was reported in the Spilinji area of Mastung district during a military operation by Pakistani forces. Large numbers of troops entered the mountainous region late Thursday night, resulting in heavy gunfire and explosions. Casualties were reported on both sides, with the precise figures remaining unclear. No Baloch armed group has claimed responsibility. These events underscore the persistent unrest in Balochistan, where conflict between nationalist groups and state forces continues.