Barkhan Gunfight Claims Lives of Baloch Fighters, Further Violence in Mastung

A gun battle in Balochistan’s Barkhan district claimed the lives of four Baloch fighters on Friday. The confrontation, which unfolded in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil, involved a pro-government armed group and lasted for several hours, with heavy weapons being used. The four fighters killed were identified as Mustafa Noor, Samiullah, Rasaan Qadir, and Shahzaib. Their remains were taken to a hospital in Rakni. The group they fought against is alleged to be a state-backed death squad. The Pakistani government has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Separately, heavy fighting was reported in the Spilinji area of Mastung district during a military operation. The arrival of troops in the mountainous region sparked intense gunfire and explosions, resulting in casualties on both sides. The number of dead and wounded is still unknown, and no Baloch armed group has yet claimed responsibility for the Spilinji clashes. The incidents highlight the persistent conflict in Balochistan between nationalist groups and state forces.