QUETTA: Four suspected militants from two banned separatist groups were killed on Wednesday in a gun battle with security forces in Balochistan’s Musakhail district, officials said.

The clash occurred in the Rarasham area, where a special security team launched an operation following intelligence reports that militants were planning attacks in the region, according to security officials.

“A heavy exchange of fire took place during the operation, which lasted for about an hour,” a senior security official said. “Four militants were killed, and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the site.”

The official said the militants were planning to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the main highway and were also involved in other criminal activities, including road blockades, attacks on security personnel, and the killings of civilians.

The deceased were identified as Narii Akbar, Saleem, Malak Ahmed, and Bakht. They were reportedly affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF).

A search operation is ongoing in the area.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2025