At least two men allegedly linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), were killed by a Baloch armed group in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. The incident reportedly occurred in Khuzdar district when armed fighters set up a checkpoint on a key highway connected to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route.

According to local media reports cited by sources, the armed group stopped vehicles passing through the highway and began checking passengers during the operation in Karkh tehsil of the district. The operation created panic in the area as fighters temporarily controlled the road.

Two Killed While Attempting to Escape

During the checkpoint operation, the fighters allegedly identified individuals suspected of links with Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Reports indicate that two men were shot dead while trying to flee from the checkpoint, while another individual was detained by the armed group.

Soon after the incident, Pakistani security forces reportedly moved toward the area, which led to heavy tension and possible clashes between the armed group and government forces. Authorities have not yet released official details about the identities of the victims.

No Group Has Claimed Responsibility

Although the attack has been widely reported, no Baloch militant group has officially claimed responsibility for the operation so far. Balochistan has been the centre of a long-running insurgency, with several armed groups active in the region.

Some of the prominent separatist groups operating in the province include the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), both of which have previously carried out attacks against Pakistani military and intelligence targets.

The insurgent groups claim they are fighting for greater autonomy and control over the province’s natural resources.

Rising Tensions in Balochistan

The latest incident comes amid increasing violence in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province. The region has witnessed frequent clashes between separatist fighters and Pakistani security forces.

Just days before the latest attack, armed fighters reportedly entered Karkh town and destroyed police stations and government property, indicating a growing escalation of militant activity in the region.

Security experts believe such attacks are often aimed at undermining the presence of Pakistani security institutions and intelligence networks in the province.

Separate Attack on Security Forces

In another related development, a vehicle belonging to Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) was targeted in an explosive attack in Kech district of Balochistan. The blast reportedly damaged the vehicle and injured at least two security personnel, who were later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The attack highlights the continuing security challenges faced by Pakistani forces operating in the province.

Long-Running Insurgency in the Region

Balochistan has been witnessing an armed separatist insurgency for decades, driven by demands for political autonomy, economic rights, and control over natural resources such as gas and minerals.

The strategic region is also important due to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure projects, which include highways, ports, and energy projects connecting Pakistan with China.

Security Situation Remains Fragile

The killing of alleged ISI-linked individuals reflects the ongoing instability in the region. Analysts believe such incidents could further escalate tensions between separatist groups and Pakistani security forces.

Authorities are likely to increase security operations in the area to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, the situation in Balochistan remains volatile, with concerns that violence could intensify in the coming weeks.