Balochistan Timeline - Year 2018

Date

Incidents

January 1

Eight persons, including three Security Officials, were injured in two separate explosions in Chaman District of Balochistan. The first explosion took place near an under-construction building on Chaman’s Mall Road injuring two persons. Second explosion targeted a Police Check Post in the same area and injured six persons, including three Security Officials.

The report compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows that terrorists carried out 23 suicide attacks in different parts of the country in 2017, whereas 2016 and 2015 had witnessed 17 and 18 such incidents, respectively.

1,387 people, including 585 civilians, 555 militants and 247 SFs personnel, were killed and 1,965 people, including 1,580 civilians, were injured in militancy-related incidents, including militant attacks and SFs actions. Militants carried out at least 420 attacks in which 912 people, including 584 civilians, 225 SFs personnel and 103 militants, were killed and 1,877 injured. SFs conducted 522 operations in which left 475 people, including 452 militants and 22 SFs personnel, dead and 88 people injured. SFs also arrested 1,760 suspected militants during 2017.

The year 2017 saw the highest number of militant attacks in Balochistan where 183 militant attacks took place in which 308 people, including 208 civilians and 84 SFs personnel, were killed and 572 people suffered injuries. The province remained target of a variety of militant groups, including sub-nationalist militants, sectarian and international militant groups. Overall 43pc of the total militant attacks in the country were recorded in Balochistan and 10 out of 23 suicide attacks (43pc) took place in the province. SFs conducted 134 operations against militants in Balochistan in which 112 militants were killed and 657 arrested.

102 militant attacks were recorded in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in which 339 people, including 206 civilians, 65 SFs and 68 militants, were killed and 858 people, including 629 civilians, suffered injuries. As many as 58 security operations were reported from FATA in which 84 militants and five SFs were killed. SFs also arrested at least 79 suspects from FATA.

SFs conducted at least four actions in Azad Kashmir in which 12 suspected militants were arrested. Fourteen suspected militants were arrested from Gilgit-Baltistan region in two Sfs actions while four suspects were arrested in three actions in Islamabad.

KP witnessed significant improvement in security situation as all indicators saw negative trends. There was 40pc decline in the number of militant attacks and 47pc decline in the number of deaths in the province. A total of 75 militant attacks were recorded in KP in which 92 people, including 43 civilians, 34 SFs personnel and 15 militants, were killed while 175 people, including 136 civilians, were injured. KP saw the second highest number of suicide attacks during the year as at least six suicide attacks were reported from the province. In 2016, five suicide attacks took place in the province. SFs conducted at least 103 actions against militants in which 543 suspects were arrested and 41 killed during 2017.

Sindh saw a 40pc decrease in militant attacks, but with 84pc increase in the number of deaths during 2017. Militants carried out 40 attacks in the province killing 112 people, including 92 civilians and 17 SFs personnel. Another 303 people were injured in these attacks. The province saw one suicide attack during 2017. SFs conducted at least 98 actions against militants in which 110 suspects were killed and 153 arrested.

Punjab witnessed seven per cent increase in militant attacks, but there was 37pc decline in deaths. During the year, 15 militant attacks took place in the province in which 59 people, including 34 civilians and 24 SFs personnel, were killed and 208 people, all of them civilians, suffered injuries. The province also witnessed three suicide bombings one more than 2016. SFs conducted 119 operations against militants in the province in which 105 militants were killed and 298 arrested.

Two militant attacks were reported from Azad Jammu and Kashmir in which one civilian died and five were injured. Three violent militant activities of low intensity were reported from Islamabad in which one person lost his life. No violent militant activity was reported from Gilgit-Baltistan region.

January 2

Two militants were killed and twelve FC Personnel injured in a suicide attack involving explosion followed by firing near an FC check post in the Baleli area of Quetta.

January 4

Eight militants among fifteen suspects were arrested by FC Balochistan from Districts of Zhob, Sibbi, Nasirabad (Dera Murad Jamali), Bolan (Mach), and Quetta (Killi Ismail). 70 kilograms of explosive, weapons and ammunition and communication equipment were also recovered.

January 6

Two militants were killed by SFs in Nawa Killi near Quetta. Police said that they were attempting to arrest the accomplices of an arrested suspect who was in the vehicle with the SFs in order to help in identifying the suspects. Security officials (unnamed) said, “However, the suspect’s accomplices opened fire in a bid to help their detained friend escape. In the resulting exchange, one of the attackers, as well as the under-arrest suspect, were killed. Two terrorists, however, escaped from the scene”.

Armed assailants killed a Policeman belonging to the Rapid Response Group (RRG) and injured another near Sariab Flyover in Quetta. The deceased was identified as RRG Constable Muhammad Alam.

FC Balochistan recovered IEDs, arms and ammunition during an IBO in Mastung District. “Through an IBO [intelligence based operation] in Mastung based on lead from apprehended suspects, [FC] recovered cache of arms, ammunition and explosives including sniper rifles, grenade and IEDs hidden in caves for a major terrorist activity,” the ISPR said in a statement.

TTP and its associated outfits remain the most potent threat followed by nationalist insurgent groups despite a 16 per cent decline in militant attacks in 2017, said a security report issued by PIPS. The report mentioned that IS footprint was increasing in Balochistan, FATA and Northern Sindh, and were carrying out deadly attacks. The report said that militant, nationalist and violent sectarian groups carried out, in all, 370 terrorist attacks in 64 districts of Pakistan during the year 2017, including 24 suicide and gun-and-suicide coordinated attacks, killing 815 people, besides injuring 1,736. These attacks posted a 16 per cent decrease from the total in 2016; and the number of people killed also dropped by 10 per cent.

Of these attacks, as many as 213, or 58 per cent, were perpetrated by TTP , its splinter groups, mainly JuA and other militant groups with similar objectives such as local Taliban groups, killing 186 people. Nationalist insurgent groups, mostly in Balochistan and a few in Sindh, carried out 138 attacks, or 37 per cent of the total, killing 140 people. As many as 19 terrorist attacks were sectarian, which killed 71 people and inflicted injuries on 97 others, according to the report. It also noted that compared to 2016, a significant surge of 131 per cent was witnessed during 2017 in cross-border attacks from Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan, India and Iran. A total of 171 cross-border attacks claimed 188 lives and injured 348 others.

SFs and LEA killed a total of 524 militants in 2017, as against 809 in 2016, in 75 military operations as well as 68 armed clashes and encounters with the militants reported from across the four provinces and FATA. According to the report, some new challenges raised their heads, including emergence of self-radicalised individuals and small terrorist cells, growing incidence of religious extremism including on educational campuses, and, most importantly, increasing footprints of IS in parts of the country and convergence of its fighters in Afghanistan near Pakistani border. In 2017, IS and its local affiliates claimed 6 major attacks, killing 153 people.

January 8

Three militants were arrested by FC Balochistan during IBOs conducted under Operation Radd-ul-Fassad in Dhadar and Mastung Districts, states ISPR. Cache of arms and ammunition including IEDs, hand grenade, detonators and communication equipment were also recovered.

January 9

Seven people, including five Policemen, were killed and 16 others, including eight Policemen, injured in a suicide blast by a TTP militant near GPO Chowk on Zarghoon Road of Quetta. The suicide bomber targeted the Police contingent returning from duty at the Provincial Assembly building and rammed into the parked Police truck. IG of Balochistan Police Moazzam Jah Ansari said that he could "tell in advance" that the suicide bomber must have come from across the Afghanistan border.

January 10

Muhammad Bakhsh alias Jaggo a former militant ‘commander’ belonging to BLF was killed by militants in the Nasirabad area of Turbat town in Kech District. According to Levies Officials, Jaggo was an important ‘commander ‘of BLF, however, differences cropped up between him and the BLF leadership after the killing of National Party leader Mola Bakhsh Dashti in an attack. Jaggo then left the BLF and formed his own militant group. Three years ago, he abandoned militancy and surrendered to the Government.

US State Department updated its threat assessment for Pakistan; Balochistan, KP, FATA and PoK were placed in the “do not travel” category due to militancy.

January 14

One health worker was killed by unidentified militants Alikhel area of Qila Saifullah District.

January 15

Five FC Personnel were killed and six others injured in an ambush by militants in Shapok area of Kech District in Balochistan. According to (unnamed) Officials two FC vehicles, transporting Soldiers from Panjgur to Turban in Balochistan, were attacked with automatic weapons when they were crossing the mountainous area of Shapok. Turbat Assistant Commissioner Dr Jamil Baloch said that "as a result of the firing and overturning of the vehicles, five FC personnel got martyred and six others sustained injured". The deceased were identified as Havaldar Zakir, Lance Naik Masood, Sepoy Shahbaz Qasir, Sepoy Farmanullah and Sepoy Masood while the injured included Havaldar Qambar, Asadullah, Sohail, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Hanif and Shafqatullah.

January 17

Two Balochistan Constabulary personnel, identified as Ilyas and Shaukat, were shot dead while another one, identified as Javed, sustain injury when unidentified militants attacked them on Double Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The personnel were reportedly deployed at a flyover in the area for security duty.

Unidentified militants shot dead a Police constable, identified as Naseer Ahmed, while was going to report for duty on the Raisani Road area of Quetta. However, the attackers managed to escape from the spot after the attack.

Two Policemen among three people were injured in a hand grenade attack on a vehicle in Chaman town of Killa Abdullah District. Police said that unidentified assailants hurled hand grenade at a vehicle near Edhi police picket in Chaman. The attack partially damaged the vehicle, besides injuring three people, including two Policemen. The assailants fled the scene after the attack.

Police foiled a major terror bid as it recovered two bomb planted by the roadside in Quetta, which were defused by the BDS. According to details, a remote control bomb, weighing four to five kilogrammes, was planted by some unidentified miscreants in a cycle in Shafi Colony near Sariab Road, which was defused.

January 18

Two female polio vaccination workers were killed when their team comes under the fire of unidentified assailants in the Shalkot area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. "Sakina Bibi and her daughter Rizwana Bibi (12) were killed by unknown assailants," spokesman of Emergency Operation Centre for Polio Eradication Balochistan Muhammad Zafar said.

SFs apprehended eight terrorists and seized weapons from their possession in different areas of Balochistan. According to ISPR, FC Balochistan conducted IBOs in Gulistan, Pishin, Kanack, Dera Bugti, Uch, Sambaza Dera Murad Jamali and Sibbi and arrested eight terrorists including an illegal Afghan national. The FC personnel recovered weapons and ammunition including IEDs, rockets, fuses, grenades, mortars and explosives from their possession.

January 21

Former SHO of Airport Police Station Fazlur Rehman Kakar was shot dead in a targeted attack in Yat Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Police, Fazlur Rehman Kakar was sitting outside his car showroom on Yat Road when unidentified assailants shot him dead. Kakar was dismissed as the Airport SHO after the May 17, 2011 Kharotabad incident in which four Russians and one Tajik nationals were killed. These five foreigners were shot dead after they allegedly failed to stop at a Police checkpoint. The victims included three women, including a pregnant one. Several high-profile inquiries were conducted into the incident to ascertain the role of the FC and Police. As a result of the judicial inquiry by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, Quetta CCPO Daud Junejo, FC's Colonel Faisal Shehzad, SHO Fazlur Rehman Kakar and ASI Raza Khan were held responsible. In August 2013, unidentified assailants shot dead ASI Raza while he was standing outside his house in Quetta. On December 29, 2011, Police surgeon and key witness in the incident, Dr Baqir Shah, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Quetta. The doctor was previously roughed up by Police as his statement differed from the official version of security agencies.

January 25

At least two hundred separatists' militants of the BRP, including 15 'commanders', laid down their weapons before Chief Minister, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa at a ceremony held at FC Headquarters in Turbat town in Kech District in Balochistan. The separatists' militants announced submitting to the writ of the State and becoming part of the national mainstream, according to an official press release.

January 29

Pakistani PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on inaugurated the Gwadar Economic Free Zone as part of the CPEC.

February 2

The Baloch militant organisations are no longer a threat to the CPEC, said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, adding that members of banned outfits were "not true Pakistanis". In an interview to BBC Urdu, he sounded confident that Gwadar port would soon become one of the world's trading hubs as the security situation in Pakistan had improved to a large extent in the last few years. "If they [Baloch militants] are true Pakistanis, they should work in the interest of Pakistan," he said brushing aside their capacity of becoming a threat to China, Pakistan and their CPEC project. Yao Jing said he was satisfied with the security provided to about 10,000 Chinese nationals working on different CPEC projects in Pakistan which also has some 60,000 local people on different jobs.

February 4

An accidental hand grenade explosion in a home in the Tusp area of Panjgur District in Balochistan killed a woman and her daughter and injured her son. Makran Division Commissioner Bashir Bangulzai said that the boy had found a hand grenade and taken it home. The grenade exploded while he was playing with it inside his house. The boy's mother and sister died in the blast, while the injured boy was shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

February 5

At least one person was killed and seven passers-by injured in a roadside blast in Chitkan area of Panjgur District. Police said that unknown miscreants had planted a bomb in a motorcycle to target a pro government tribal notable Kamran Mengal. Baloch Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for the attack.

February 9

Balochistan CM Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said that because of concrete steps taken by the Government, insurgency is on the wane in the province as militants have surrendered their weapons and joined the mainstream to play their role in the development of the country. Talking to a delegation of British journalists, the chief minister said that a few elements sitting abroad had misguided the youth of Balochistan, but now they (the youth) had understood the designs of those people and foiled their conspiracies by joining mainstream politics.

February 10

The FC, during ongoing Operation Raddul Fasaad, recovered a huge cache of ammunition and weaponry from Sherani area in Dera Murad Jamali area of the District Nasirabad. "A huge cache of ammunition, weaponry, mobile SIMs, communication equipment was recovered during the action. However, no arrests were made during the process. The security forces cordoned off the area in search of the fleeing miscreants," the ISPR, said.

February 14

At least four FC personnel were killed in a targeted firing incident in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The FC personnel were patrolling the area near Sariab road when unidentified militants on a motorcycle opened fire at their vehicle, critically injuring all four who later succumbed to their injuries. Governor Balochistan Mohammad Khan Achakzai condemns the attack and urged the LEAs arrest the culprits at the earliest.

February 18

IG of Balochistan Police Moazzam Jah Ansari has said that a proposal of establishing a Police force, comprising around 1,500 personnel, exclusively for security duty in the Quetta city is under consideration. Also, the IG, Moazzam Jah Ansari said that recently 220 personnel of the ATF had completed their training while another badge of ATF personnel would be sent for the specialized training soon. He said the proposal for establishing the new force for security duty had been sent to the chief minister for approval.

February 19

China has been quietly holding talks with the Baloch militants for more than five years in an effort to protect the $60bn worth of infrastructure projects it is financing as part of the CPEC. The news report takes Financial Times as a source for the claim. Financial Times citing three unnamed people with knowledge of the talks has reported that Chinese had been in direct contact with the Baloch insurgents, where many of the scheme's most important projects are located. "The Chinese have quietly made a lot of progress," said one Pakistani official. "Even though insurgents occasionally try to carry out the odd attack, they are not making a forceful push." Pakistani officials have welcomed the talks between Baloch insurgents and Chinese envoys, even if they do not know the details of what has been discussed. "Ultimately, if there's peace in Balochistan, that will benefit both of us," said one unnamed official in Islamabad.

February 20

The UNDP has released a new report named Policy Issues in Economic Growth, Equality and Sustainable Development that indicates stark regional disparities within Pakistan with Balochistan being the poorest province of the country. With Balochistan lacking basic needs, the province has further fallen down in terms of sustainability and is on top of the poverty index. In Qilla Abdullah, 96% are living below their means making it the poorest part of Pakistan. According to the report, after Balochistan, KP ranks second in the provincial level with 49% of people identified as living in poor standards. Kohistan in the report was identified as one of the most deprived part of KP where 95% of people lack basic needs, making it the second poorest rural area after Qilla Abdullah (Balochistan). Each province has been ranked on its citizens living below the poverty line, which is defined as living on less than $2 a day.

February 21

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, during the GDA Governing Body's meeting, approved multiple development projects worth PKR 1 billion for Gwadar.

A tribal peace jirga organised by the Muhibban Tehreek Nazarya-i-Pakistan vowed to foil 'conspiracies' against CPEC and resolved to not allow the self-exiled leaders to "send Baloch youths to the mountains", a reference to insurgency, just for serving their interests. The jirga was held in Mastung.

February 22

China has rejected a news report circulating in certain sections of media claiming that it has been engaged in low-key dialogue with Baloch separatists for over five years in a bid to secure the CPEC project. "I have never heard of such things as you mentioned," China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said when asked about such reports.

February 25

FC personals, as part of the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fassad, killed a terrorist and arrested 11 others during IBOs conducted in different areas of the province namely Quetta, Sherazai, Sibbi and Kahan. SFs also recovered RPG rockets, sub-machine guns, mines and explosive material during the IBO.

February 28

Four FC Soldiers were killed and seven others were injured in a suicide bomb attack by a militant (affiliation not specified) on a FC check-post in Nosahar area in the Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Imran, Javed Ahmed and Muhammad Rashid.

Two Policemen were killed when three TTP militants targeted the vehicle of DSP Hameedullah Dasti on Samungli Road of Quetta. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Tahir and Ayub Shah.

March 2

SFs arrested six suspected terrorists from Karbala area in Pishin District of Balochistan. According to the ISPR 500 kilogrammes of explosive material has been recovered from the possession of terrorists. The recovered material also included explosive jackets, sub-machine guns, and tools of communication.

March 4

At least two people were injured in a blast in Turbat District of Balochistan. The blast took place in Turbat's main market.

Balochistan FC conducted IBOs in Dera Bugti District on suspected hideouts of terrorists. According to a statement issued by the authorities, weapons including RPGs, mines, explosives and detonators were recovered by the forces from the hideouts. The IBOs were conducted as part of the operation Radul Fasaad, a nationwide military operation involving all law-enforcement agencies launched in February 2017.

President Mamnoon Hussain said the people of Balochistan and all the backward areas would get major benefit from the CPEC. He said it was undeniable fact that people of Balochistan had the foremost right on Balochistan that would be protected. He said keeping in view the future scope and needs of the Chinese language owing to CPEC, the youth must learn the language.

March 5

CTD killed four suspected militants, belonging to a proscribed terror group, in an encounter at Chaman near Pak-Afghan border in Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan. As per details, CTD officials raided a house in Chaman after receiving a tip-off from intelligence agencies regarding the presence of suspected militants in the area. Having sniffed the raid, the suspects resorted to firing. CTD officials befittingly responded and killed four terrorists. Three suicide vests, a cache of ammunition, concealed explosives and weapons.

March 6

A traffic police sergeant Hafizullah Niazi was shot dead in the night while patrolling the Kandahari Bazaar in Quetta.

March 7

Two Policemen, including a senior officer, were killed and another was injured in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Unidentified assailants targeted one Policeman in the main city areas and the other in Hazar Ganji vegetable market located on the outskirts of the provincial capital. Police officials said the assailants attacked the Policemen who were guarding the fruit and vegetable sellers of Shia Hazara community. Police identified the deceased constable as Abdul Qadir and the injured one as Dolat Khan.

March 8

Four militants, including a 'commander' of the BLA, surrendered at a ceremony in Hub town of Lasbela District of Balochistan. The militants have laid down their arms and announced that they have abandoned armed struggle against the State and would join mainstream. Balochistan Minister for Information Technology and Environment Prince Ahmed Ali and Major Zia of the FC welcomed the militants' decision to surrender.

March 9

Four militants, including one commander, were killed in a gun battle with SFs in the Pasni area of Gwadar District in Balochistan. The officials said that an exchange of fire with militants took place when the security personnel raided the area. During the shootout four of the militants were killed. The militants were identified as 'commander' Jamil Ahmed, Safar Khan and Rais Khan. One of the militants could not be identified.

Two personnel of the FC were injured in a roadside blast near their vehicle in Perak area of Hub town in Lasbela District. Hub DSP Jan Mohammad Khosa said that the blast occurred near FC camp in Perak area, targeting the FC convoy which was on routine patrol.

March 11

At least two terrorists were arrested and a cache of weapons recovered in IBOs conducted by the SFs in different areas of Balochistan. "Security forces conducted IBOs on terrorists suspected hideouts in Mastung, Pashin, Khad Kacha and Sibbi. Two terrorists were apprehended," said a statement issued by the ISPR. A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including prepared IEDs, explosives, rockets and ammunition of different calibre were also recovered in the raids, it added.

March 15

Six persons were killed in an explosion occurred inside a house in Killa Saifullah District of Balochistan. The house collapsed as a result of the explosion and several people were reportedly trapped under the debris.

March 21

A landmine blast killed two persons near the Pak-Iran border in Chaghi District of Balochistan. According to Levies officials, a man and woman were killed near the Iranian border in an explosion when a pickup vehicle hit the landmine planted on the roadside. The blast destroyed the vehicle, killing both of them on the spot.

April 1

In a suspected targeted killing incident, one member of the Shia Hazara community was killed and another was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle in Kandahari Bazaar area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The deceased was identified as Nazar Hussain. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

April 2

Four members of a Christian family were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Shah Zaman road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A minor girl was also injured in the attack. The family was travelling in a rickshaw when armed men on a motorcycle intercepted them and opened fire. "It appears to have been a targeted attack," Provincial Police Official Moazzam Jah Ansari said. "It was an act of terrorism," he added. The attack comes a day after Pakistan's Christian community celebrated Easter on April 1.

April 3

Law enforcement agencies have arrested the leader of a gang of hitmen belonging to the TTP, who were involved in the killing of 16 Police officers over the last three months in the Quetta. This was disclosed by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo at a press conference here on Tuesday after presiding over a meeting on the law and order situation in the province. "Fazal Haq Ghaibzai, the ring leader of the TTP target killers, was arrested during a joint operation by police, the Counter Terrorism Department and the Frontier Corps on Tuesday night (April 3) on the basis of intelligence information," Mr Bizenjo said.

April 4

A Frontier Corps personal, Naik Irfan, lost his life and two militants were killed in an encounter triggered by a search operation in the Pinsin Kaur area of Kech District of Balochistan.

April 9

At least five FC personnel were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up near their vehicle in Belili area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Aslam Tareen, the Director of Civil Defence, confirmed that it was a suicide blast and 8-10 kilogrammes of explosives was used in the attack. The age of the bomber seems to be around 20 to 22 years, Tareen added. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

April 13

SFs arrested six terrorists involved in targeting a team of polio workers and the Police force from different areas of Balochistan. The ISPR said the SFs conducted IBOs in Chaman, Sariab (Quetta) and Pishin areas of Balochistan led to the arrest of terrorists who had targeted polio teams in Yaru Bazaar and the Police force in Dera Murad Jamali. A cache of arms and ammunition including explosives, detonators, rockets, mines and IEDs were recovered.

April 15

At least two members of the Christian community were killed and five others injured in a firing incident near a church in Essa Nagri area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. DIG of Quetta Abdur Razzaq Cheema said the incident occurred when worshippers were leaving after attending the Sunday service at the church. Unidentified attackers riding a motorbike opened fire on the members of the Christian community and managed to flee the scene soon after the incident.

April 18

A shopkeeper belonging to the Shia Hazara community, identified as Muhammad Asif (50), son of Ghulam Nabi, was killed in a drive-by shooting at an auto parts shop on Abdul Sattar Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Quetta DIG Abdur Razzaq Cheema said Muhammad Asif, who was a resident of Alamdar Road, was from the Hazara community and that it appeared to have been a targeted killing. It was the fourth attack in recent months targeting Hazaras. No one has claimed the attacks so far.

April 22

Two persons belonging to the Hazara community, identified as Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Zaman, were killed, while a third was injured in an incident of firing in Western Bypass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police said the victims were members of Shia Hazara community and that the incident appeared to be a targeted attack.

April 24

Three suicide bombers attacked the Police and other security officials in two different attacks, on April 24, resulting in the killing of 10 Policemen and injuries to another 15 in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. In the first incident, a suicide bomber drove his motorcycle into a Police truck, on Airport Road, due to which seven Balochistan Constabulary personnel were killed, Home Secretary Balochistan, Ghulam Ali Baloch, said. It was not clear whether the third bomber was wearing an explosive vest or if the bike was filled with explosives. According to sources in the law enforcement agencies, an estimated 20 kg of explosives were used in the attack. These cops, deployed as the security detail for the visiting president of the Azad Kashmir, were returning from duty when the attack took place.

Half an hour earlier, three FC personnel were killed and six others injured in Mian Gundi area, when two suicide bombers tried to attack the check post in an attempt to enter the FC camp but the personnel engaged them. Hizbul Ahrar, a splinter group of JuA, claims responsibility of the attack.

April 29

At least three persons were killed and two others injured in a firing incident at Jan Muhammad Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the evening. According to Police, unidentified attackers opened fire at people sitting inside a shop on Jan Muhammad Road. The assailants managed to escape unhurt after the attack.

Two shopkeepers belonging to the Shia Hazara community were killed in a drive-by shooting at Jamaluddin Afghani Road area in Quetta. According to Police, unidentified assailants opened fire at an electronics shop, killing two Hazara men, identified as Jaffar and Muhammad Ali, on the spot. The assailants managed to escape unhurt from the scene after the attack. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

April 30

A suspected LeJ leader was killed during a search operation jointly launched by the Police and Frontier Corps in the mountainous areas of Splingy and Qabu of Mastung District in Balochistan. Addressing a press conference along with FC Sector Commander Brigadier Tasawar, DIG, Quetta, Abdul Razzaq Cheema said the FC and Police had conducted the search operation on information about the hideouts of the banned group three days ago. He said when the SFs cordoned off the area and started searching, armed men hiding in the mountains opened fire on the FC vehicle. As a result, an FC man was injured. A heavy exchange of fire between the SFs and suspected militants continued for several hours. "One hardcore militant leader of the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi was killed in the gun battle," DIG Cheema claimed and identified the militant as Maqsood Ahmed, a resident of the Manghopir area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was seized from the militants' hideout.

May 1

A suspected leader of LeJ, Abdul Rahim Muhammad Shahi, has been arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Police's CTD and other security agencies in Sariab area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. DIG of the CTD Atizaz Ahmed Goraya said "LeJ leader Abdul Rahim Muhammad Shahi was arrested in the Village Aid area. A hand grenade and a pistol were found from his possession. Shahi was involved in suicide bombings, target killings and other subversive activities. He carried a head money of PKR 2 million." The DIG Atizaz Ahmed Goraya said during interrogation the suspect had confessed that he was involved in the suicide bombing in Hazara Town's Vegetable Market, the truck blast at the official residence of the inspector general of Balochistan, suicide attacks on Bahadur Khan Women University and Hazar Ganji, a firing incident in the Bolan Medical College hospital and many incidents of target killings in Quetta. The suspect was involved in around 200 incidents of target killings, the DIG said, adding that he had been using different aliases, including Babul, captain and doctor, to hide his identity. His name had been placed in the Red Book. The DIG Atizaz Ahmed Goraya said the suspect had disclosed names of his group's members, adding that efforts were under way to arrest them.

May 4

Six ethnic Punjabi labourers were killed and one injured in an incident of firing in the Laijay area of Kharan District in Balochistan. Levies sources said the labourers who hail from the eastern Punjab were working on a mobile tower and were sleeping in tents at the site when unidentified militants on motorcycles opened fire on them. The assailants escaped unhurt from the spot after the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

May 10

An explosive device kept in a pressure cooker near a railway track in the Dasht town of Kharan District exploded. No casualties were reported but the railway scheduled was affected. Another bomb kept nearby was diffused later.

May 16 Three LeJ militant, including provincial chief Salman Badeni, and Army Colonel Sohail Abid were killed in an exchange of fire during intelligence based operation in Killi Almas area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. ISPR said SFs conducted an intelligence-based operation in Killi Almas area on pointation from apprehended high-value target about the presence of suicide bombers along with other terrorists in hideouts. SF intercepted and killed a 'high-value target' Salman Badeni said to be involved in the killings of over 100 members of the Hazara community as well as Police personnel. Colonel Sohail Abid of Military Intelligence was killed in the gunfight. Four other soldiers were also sustained injuries. According to the statement, three terrorists were identified as provincial chief Salman Badeni and two suicide bombers of Afghani nationality. One injured militant is in military custody.
May 17

Five militants attempting VBIED attack on FC Help Center were killed and four other militants were injured in Quetta District, the capital of Balochistan.

May 20

The CTD recovered a cache of weapons during a raid on a house in Kili Barat area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The CTD confiscated a large amount of weapons, explosive material and suicide vests from the house. A CTD spokesperson also claimed that the raid occurred after the CTD managed to gain information from terrorists it had earlier apprehended. The CTD, however, did not make any arrests during this operation.

May 23

The FC conducted an operation in Garar and Nullah areas of Mastung District in Balochistan and recovered a cache of weapons. According to FC Balochistan spokesperson, the operations were carried out on intelligence-based information in which five rocket launchers, two 107 MM missiles and hundreds of bullets were recovered.

May 27

Two Policemen and two militants were killed when unidentified militants opened fire on Policemen at Sarki Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Four passers-by were also injured in the firing. In the meantime, personnel in a Police vehicle passing by opened fire on the attackers, killing two of them. One of the injured attackers, however, fled the scene, Police said. DIG Abdul Razzaq Cheema said unknown miscreants opened fire on Abdul Rasheed and Bashir Shah in the Capri Cinema area, killing them on the spot.

May 28

At least sixteen persons including three Policemen sustained injuries in a roadside blast targeting Police vehicle in Dera Murad Jamali town of Same District in Balochistan in the evening. According to Police, unidentified militants had planted an IED in a motorcycle parked on the roadside to target the Police vehicle passing through the area. The explosion occurred when a Police vehicle passing through the area, injuring at least 16 people including three Policemen. The windowpanes of nearby shops and houses were smashed due to the impact of the blast.

June 3

SFs repulsed terrorist attacks from across the Pak-Afghan border in Qamar Din Qarez area of Balochistan. ISPR said the militants from Afghanistan attacks targeted border posts and border fencing parties.

June 4

Three FC personnel were killed and two others injured in a suicide bombing at a check-post on the Quetta-Karachi highway in the Khud-Cocha area of Mastung District of Balochistan. According to official sources, the suicide bomber blew himself up near the FC Aziz check-post in the Khud-Cocha area of Mastung. "A young man wearing an explosive-laden jacket tried to enter the FC check-post and when he was challenged by security personnel, he blew himself up near the check-post," security officials said. "As a result of the explosion, three FC personnel were killed on the spot and two others were injured," sources added. The deceased were identified as Subedar Munir Jan, Sepoy Ahmed Jan and Pervez Ahmed. Sepoy Nasir and Sepoy Irshad were injured in the blast.

Three BLA militants were killed in a gun battle with SFs in a far flung area of Kohlu District. The shootout began when personnel of FC cordoned off a place following a tip-off that militants were hiding there. The suspected militants opened fired on the security men when they were searching the area. However, the personnel retaliated and the heavy exchange of fire continued for at least two hours. The militant hideout was destroyed in the operation.

June 10

The house of former Balochistan Minister and central leader of the Balochistan National Party (Awami) Mir Asghar Rind was blown up in Gomazi area of Mand in Gwadar District of Balochistan. Official sources said that unidentified people had planted explosives around the house of Mir Asghar Rind and blew it up. "The house was completely destroyed in the blast," Levies officials said, adding that no casualty had been reported as no one was present in the house when the blast occurred.

Mir Hamal Baloch of the BNP-Mengal escaped an armed attack while travelling between Sirkin and Mirabad in Turbat District when armed assailants opened fire on his convoy from nearby mountainous. Security guards of Hamal Baloch retaliated and after a heavy exchange of fire the attackers fled away. No casualty has been reported.

June 15

A senior cleric in Balochistan has returned home, nine months after he, along with a son and driver, was kidnapped from Airport Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, on September 8, 2017. Maulana Abu Turab, the provincial ameer of Jamat Ahle Hadees, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen from Airport Road while he was travelling to his seminary. Later, the kidnappers had released his son and driver but took away Maulana Abu Turab. On June 15, the kidnappers released Maulana Abu Turab but his family refused to share any details with the media. It was not immediately known if the family has paid any ransom for his release.

June 16

Three Levies personnel were killed in an ambush near Kali Bangalzai in Sariab area in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Suspected militants opened fire on Levies vehicle, killing the three personnel of the paramilitary force on the spot. Police said the attackers opened fire at the Levies vehicle and then escaped. Two of the victims, Habibullah and Najeebullah, were brothers. Anwar Ali was the third.

Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.