Pakistani security forces killed over 100 militants in Balochistan during counterterrorism operations over the past 40 hours, following coordinated attacks that killed 33 people, mostly civilians.

The raids, which began Saturday, also left 18 civilians—including five women and three children—and 15 security personnel dead.

Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed the militants were part of the “Indian-backed” Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), with some fighters reportedly Afghan nationals, and said their plot to take hostages in Quetta was foiled.

The BLA, banned in Pakistan, frequently targets security forces, civilians, and Chinese projects, and authorities allege support from the Pakistani Taliban and cross-border actors, though India and Afghanistan deny involvement, ABC News has reported.

The attacks occurred in a resource-rich region where Pakistan seeks foreign investment, highlighting persistent security challenges amid long-running Baloch separatist insurgency.