World | Pakistan
500 killed since December 18
About 300 civilians and 200 members of the Pakistani armed forces have been killed in military-tribesmen clashes in Balochistan's Kohlu and Dera Bugti areas since December 18, Senator Sanaullah Baloch, a spokesman for the Four-Party Baloch Alliance, claimed.
- By Nissar Hoath, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 8, 2006
Abu Dhabi: About 300 civilians and 200 members of the Pakistani armed forces have been killed in military-tribesmen clashes in Balochistan's Kohlu and Dera Bugti areas since December 18, Senator Sanaullah Baloch, a spokesman for the Four-Party Baloch Alliance, claimed.
The senator, who is also the Information Secretary of the alliance partner Balochistan National Party (BNP), alleged that the Pakistan Government has launched a full-fledged military operation in the entire province, particularly Kohlu and Dera Bugti.
However, the government has denied the claims, saying only miscreants are being targeted by the armed forces.
The government has also indicated the involvement of a foreign hand in the deteriorating situation.
"The army has launched its full operation on December 18 following rocket attacks during President General Pervaiz Musharraf's visit in Kohlu. If this is a retaliation to rocket attacks, then a bigger military operation should have been launched in Punjab where the general was almost killed in the close proximity of the Armed Forces' Generals Headquarters," Baloch said.
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