Four Baloch fighters were killed in a fierce gunfight with a ‘state-backed’ armed group in the Barkhan district of Balochistan on Friday. The clash took place in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil, with residents reporting the use of heavy weapons during the hours-long exchange. The deceased have been identified as Mustafa Noor, Samiullah, Rasaan Qadir, and Shahzaib. Their bodies were transferred to a hospital in Rakni. The opposing group is widely considered by residents and activists to be a pro-government militia, allegedly operating under the protection of Pakistani military and intelligence agencies. No official statement regarding the confrontation has been issued by Pakistani authorities. In addition, heavy fighting was reported in the Spilinji area of Mastung district following a military operation by Pakistani forces. Troops entered the mountainous region late Thursday night, leading to intense gunfire and multiple explosions. Casualties were reported on both sides, and ambulances and reinforcements were seen entering the area. The exact number of dead or wounded remains unknown, and no Baloch armed group has claimed responsibility for the Spilinji clashes. The events highlight the ongoing conflict between Baloch nationalist groups and state forces.
