QUETTA, Sunday, February 1, 2026 (WNP): Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday announced that at least 145 terrorists were killed within a 40-hour period during intelligence-based operations conducted across the province, describing the campaign as one of the most extensive counterterrorism responses carried out in such a short span of time.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, the chief minister said the operations followed a wave of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan a day earlier, which security agencies had anticipated through advance intelligence.

He said pre-emptive action by law enforcement and security forces helped thwart several planned assaults and prevented militants from achieving their intended objectives.

The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the attacks through a social media statement, referring to them as the second phase of “Operation Heroof.” Pakistani authorities classify the BLA and allied groups as “Fitna al Hindustan,” alleging they operate as proxies of India as part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilising Pakistan. Officials also maintain that the BLA’s suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, has developed linkages with other anti-Pakistan militant outfits operating from Afghan territory.

Bugti said intelligence agencies had prior information about the attacks, prompting security forces to launch operations a day earlier in sensitive areas including north-eastern Quetta, Panjgur and Sherani. “We had intelligence reports that these attacks were being planned, so we initiated operations in advance,” he said, adding that the proactive measures prevented major incidents in several targeted localities.

According to the chief minister, more than 5,800 intelligence-based operations were conducted across the province during the 40-hour period. “So far, we have recovered 145 bodies. This is the highest number of terrorists neutralised within such a short time,” he said.

Bugti accused the militants of deliberately targeting civilians, including women and children. Recalling an incident in Gwadar, he said terrorists attacked a family labour colony where five women and three children were killed despite pleading for their lives. He also said militants attempted to damage surveillance infrastructure, including Safe City cameras in Quetta, but noted that the system had since been strengthened and expanded.

Highlighting the complexity of the security challenge, Bugti alleged that militants used children as human shields during clashes with security forces. He said one group brought an 11-year-old child with them during an attack in Quetta, complicating operational decisions for law enforcement personnel. “They pick children from the streets and use them as shields. This leaves us with extremely difficult choices,” he said.

Rejecting claims of militant control over urban areas, the chief minister said no city was taken over during the attacks. “I myself was moving around Quetta. Only one limited area was affected, while daily life in the rest of the city remained normal,” he said.

Bugti further alleged that the attacks were planned from Afghan soil on the instructions of India, reiterating that such incidents tend to escalate when Pakistan is engaged on diplomatic or foreign policy fronts. “We are a responsible state. Our police and armed forces do not wish to be lethal, but we will not allow terrorists to operate with impunity,” he said.

He said militants attempted to enter sensitive zones and seize key installations, including efforts to create hostage situations, but failed due to timely security responses. “Noshki has now been completely cleared. It took time, but the area is secure,” he added.

According to official figures shared by the chief minister, at least 17 personnel from law enforcement agencies, including police and Frontier Corps, along with one navy official, were martyred in the attacks. Overall casualties stood at 31, with several others injured.

Bugti urged caution in associating militancy with ethnic identity. “Do not call them Baloch. Baloch are not terrorists,” he said. “These terrorists kill Baloch women and then misuse the Baloch name for their own agenda.”

He concluded by saying that public support for militancy was negligible and reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan stood firmly with the state in its fight against terrorism.