Intense Clashes in Balochistan: Pakistani Forces and Baloch Fighters Battle in Gishk
In Balochistan province, Pakistan, a fierce military offensive by Pakistani security forces has been underway for the past three days in the Gishk area of Johan, Kalat. The operation involves Pakistan SSG commandos, the Air Force, and various other branches of the Pakistani security forces.
According to reports, Pakistani security forces have surrounded a camp of Baloch fighters in Gishk since August 22, leading to intense clashes. Gunship helicopters have been attacking the besieged areas, which are inhabited by farmers and nomadic Baloch people involved in agriculture and livestock herding.
On August 23, at least seven military helicopters were observed heading toward Gishk. It is uncertain whether their deployment was for rescue missions or additional shelling. Pakistani security forces have deployed several SSG commandos via helicopter and have intermittently bombarded the area with gunships. Baloch fighters are reportedly resisting the Pakistani army’s offensives.
A local source informed that “the fighting is intense and fierce.” Multiple ambulances have been seen in the surrounding areas, and some vehicles were noted transporting military casualties. However, there are no confirmed reports of casualties among the Baloch insurgents.
Experts suggest that the prolonged and extensive military siege over the past three days indicates that, despite their limited supplies and resources, the Baloch insurgents are fiercely resisting the Pakistani military. Due to the complete blockade, obtaining timely information is difficult. The situation in the Kalat-Gishk area remains tense and unclear.
Human rights concerns during military operations in Balochistan include forced disappearances of activists and suspected insurgents, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests. These actions often leave individuals unaccounted for and subject to poor conditions, while the conflict has displaced many civilians and disrupted their lives. Additionally, the Pakistani government has faced criticism for restricting media coverage and censoring journalists and activists who report on these abuses.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. It is known for its mountains and deserts, and many people there are farmers or nomads.
Pakistani security forces -: These are the military and police forces of Pakistan. They protect the country and maintain law and order.
Baloch fighters -: These are people from Balochistan who are fighting against the Pakistani government. They want more rights and independence for their region.
Gishk -: Gishk is a specific area in Balochistan where the fighting is happening.
SSG commandos -: SSG stands for Special Services Group. They are elite soldiers in Pakistan who are very well-trained for difficult missions.
Air Force -: The Air Force is a branch of the military that uses airplanes and helicopters to protect the country and fight in wars.
Gunship helicopters -: These are helicopters equipped with heavy weapons. They are used in battles to attack targets on the ground.
Nomadic people -: Nomadic people are those who move from place to place instead of living in one location. They often move with their animals in search of food and water.
Blockade -: A blockade is when an area is surrounded so that people and supplies cannot go in or out. It is used to cut off resources and weaken the enemy.
Forced disappearances -: This is when people are taken away by force and their families do not know where they are. It is a serious human rights issue.
Extrajudicial killings -: These are killings carried out without a legal trial. It means people are killed without being proven guilty in a court of law.
Media coverage restricted -: This means that journalists and news reporters are not allowed to freely report on what is happening. Information is controlled or limited.