The Pakistani military has initiated strikes in response to recent attacks in Balochistan, according to a statement from the army.

The Pakistani military has initiated strikes in response to recent attacks in Balochistan, according to a statement from the army.

A bus with passengers sitting on the roof with belongings, drives past a damaged vehicle, a day after separatist militants conducted deadly attacks, in Bolan district of Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan, Pakistan August 27, 2024. REUTERS/Naseer Ahmed/File Photo

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) — In response to recent insurgent attacks that resulted in over 50 deaths this week, Pakistan's military has launched intelligence-based operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan, the army announced on Friday.

According to the statement, the operations have led to the deaths of five insurgents and injuries to three others. The army emphasized that these actions will persist until all those involved in these attacks are brought to justice.

Earlier this week, ethnic Baloch insurgents carried out a series of coordinated attacks on both civilian and military targets. The army responded by killing 21 militants in retaliation.

    

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for one of its deadliest attacks in recent years. The group is seeking independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich province that hosts significant China-led projects, including a deep-water port and a gold and copper mine.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has asserted that the attacks were aimed at disrupting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65 billion infrastructure project that is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Beijing has condemned the attacks.