Pakistan Army Chief Visits Balochistan After Deadly Clashes Claim 41 Lives

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Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, visited Balochistan on February 2, 2025, following intense clashes that resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals, including 18 security personnel and 23 militants, within a 24-hour period. The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Gen. Munir received a detailed briefing on the security situation from senior military and intelligence officials.

During his visit, General Munir, alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Provincial Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, attended the funerals of the fallen soldiers and visited those injured at the Combined Military Hospital in Quetta. He emphasized the military's commitment to combating terrorism, stating, “No matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may do, you will surely be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its armed forces."

Recent operations in Balochistan reported the killing of 11 militants, while prior operations earlier in the week led to 12 terrorists being neutralized. The region has seen a rise in violence attributed to Baloch extremists targeting security forces, marking 2024 as one of the deadliest years for Pakistan in a decade.

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