Heavily armed militants on Monday looted several banks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province before clashing with security forces, leaving one police officer and a civilian dead, officials have said.
Authorities said the attackers carried out a coordinated operation in Panjgur district, looting at least three banks and making away with about 150 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $530,000).
A police official told AFP that the militants attempted to raid two additional banks before security forces engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee the area.
“At least one officer was killed and two others injured during the clash, while a shopkeeper died after being caught in the crossfire,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A senior district administration official confirmed the incident, stating that between 50 and 60 militants arrived on 12 motorcycles and four vehicles. The official identified the attackers as members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
No group has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, but Balochistan has witnessed a surge in violence by ethnic Baloch separatist groups targeting security forces and infrastructure in recent years.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, remains its poorest and most unstable region.
The BLA, designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan, the United States and several other countries, has intensified attacks on security forces and foreign-linked interests.
In March, the group seized a passenger train carrying more than 450 people, triggering a two-day siege that left dozens dead.