Wed Nov 20 06:14:28 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Launches Major Military Operation Against Militants in Balochistan
**Islamabad, November 20, 2024** – Pakistan has launched a comprehensive military operation against militant groups in the southwestern province of Balochistan following a recent surge in deadly attacks. The decision was announced following a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by top military and civilian officials, including Army Chief General Asim Munir.
The operation targets several key terrorist organizations operating in Balochistan, including the Majeed Brigade, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), and Balochistan Raaji Anjou-R-Sanger (BRAS). These groups are accused of targeting civilians and foreign nationals to destabilize the country and hinder its economic progress, allegedly at the behest of foreign powers. The announcement comes in the wake of a recent railway station bombing that killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers.
The meeting focused on reinvigorating Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign, addressing challenges including the general law and order situation, sub-nationalism, religious extremism, and the crime-terror nexus. Participants stressed the need for a unified political voice and national consensus to effectively combat these threats. The revitalization of the National Counterterrorism Agency (NACTA) and the establishment of new intelligence fusion centers at national and provincial levels were also agreed upon.
The strategy involves a “whole-of-system” approach, integrating diplomatic, political, informational, intelligence, socio-economic, and military efforts. Enhanced collaboration between federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions is a key component. District coordination committees will be established to ensure effective implementation of directives. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sustained, coordinated efforts to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensure the safety and economic stability of its citizens. The Army Chief reiterated the military’s commitment to eliminating all threats to national security.
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