A fierce gun battle in the Barkhan district of Balochistan claimed the lives of four Baloch fighters on Friday. The clash, which took place in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil, involved a ‘state-backed’ armed group and lasted for several hours. Heavy weapons were reportedly used during the exchange of fire. The deceased were identified as Mustafa Noor, Samiullah, Rasaan Qadir, and Shahzaib. Their bodies were subsequently moved to a hospital in Rakni. The opposing group is widely considered to be a pro-government militia. The Pakistani authorities have yet to make any official comments regarding the confrontation. Separately, the Spilinji area of Mastung district saw intense fighting due to a military operation conducted by Pakistani forces. Troops entered the mountainous region late on Thursday night, resulting in intense gunfire and multiple explosions. Casualties were reported on both sides. The precise number of casualties remains unconfirmed, and no Baloch armed group has taken responsibility for the Spilinji clashes. The region’s instability persists amid escalating conflict between Baloch nationalist groups and state forces.
