Islamabad, July 7: Pakistan’s security forces suffered another major setback after nine policemen were killed and eight others were abducted in an attack claimed by a Pashtun militant group in Balochistan. According to reports, the abducted policemen were later released.

The latest attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan’s western provinces, where insurgent violence has intensified in recent months.

Deadly Attack on Police

According to reports, militants ambushed a police unit in Balochistan, killing nine personnel during the assault. Eight policemen were taken hostage by the attackers but were subsequently released.

Authorities have launched a search operation in the area, while investigations into the attack are underway.

Militant Group Claims 55 Attacks in Seven Days

The Pashtun militant group behind the attack has claimed responsibility for 55 attacks in the first seven days of the current month, indicating a sustained campaign against Pakistani security forces.

The group’s claimed operations have reportedly targeted police, military personnel, intelligence agencies and government installations, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Record Number of Attacks in June

The latest escalation follows what the group described as its highest-ever monthly operational tempo, claiming responsibility for 336 attacks during June.

While Pakistani authorities have not independently verified every claim, security analysts say militant violence has risen sharply across the country’s western frontier.

Security Forces Under Pressure

Pakistan’s security establishment continues to face simultaneous challenges from Pashtun militant groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baloch insurgent organisations in Balochistan.

Recent months have witnessed repeated attacks on police stations, military convoys, security checkpoints and intelligence installations, highlighting the growing operational capability of insurgent groups.

Worsening Security Situation

Analysts believe the resurgence of militancy since 2021 has significantly strained Pakistan’s internal security apparatus. The increasing frequency and scale of attacks have forced authorities to intensify intelligence-based operations and deploy additional forces in vulnerable districts.

The latest attack is expected to further raise concerns over Pakistan’s ability to contain multiple insurgencies simultaneously, particularly in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan.

Note: The attack figures cited above are based on claims made by the militant group and may not have been independently verified by Pakistani authorities.