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Balochistan Bloodshed: Six Civilians Killed in Shocking Pakistani Airstrike

A devastating Pakistani airstrike in Balochistan's Zehri region has claimed six civilian lives, including four children, escalating tensions in the region. The Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department has strongly condemned the attack as a systematic violation of international humanitarian law. Local human rights organizations report widespread military operations, enforced disappearances, and complete blockades of the area. The incident highlights the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan and calls for urgent international intervention.

Key Points: Baloch Civilians Killed in Pakistani Military Airstrike Zehri Region

  • Pakistani military conducts large-scale operation in Zehri region
  • Six civilians, including four children, killed in aerial bombardment
  • Human rights organizations condemn systematic violence
  • Internet shutdown and road blockades implemented during operation
2 min read

Pakistani airstrike in Balochistan kills six civilians as military operations escalates

Pakistani Army airstrike in Balochistan's Zehri region kills six civilians, including children, sparking human rights concerns and international condemnation.

"This brutal act is yet another example of the systematic violence inflicted upon the Baloch people. - Baloch National Movement Human Rights Department"

Quetta, Oct 16

At least six Baloch civilians, including children, were killed in an aerial bombardment by the Pakistani Army in the Zehri region of Balochistan, a leading human rights organisation said on Thursday.

The horrific incident comes amid a mounting human rights crisis in Zehri following weeks of Pakistani military operations that have left several people killed and injured.

Sharing a heart-wrenching video on its social media platform, Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department expressed outrage as a grieving elder recounted how the Pakistani airstrike wiped out his entire family, including four children and two adults.

"This brutal act is yet another example of the systematic violence inflicted upon the Baloch people. Such deliberate targetting of civilians constitutes a grave violation of the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law," the rights body stated.

According to Paank, between October 5 and 10, several residents of Zehri were forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army during a large-scale military operation.

The victims were identified as Mohamed Bakhsh Meraji, Qadir Bakhsh Meraji, Ali Hasan Pandrani and Rahmatullah Meraji.

Earlier, on October 5, another Baloch civilian, Rauf Jatak, was abducted by Pakistani security forces from Zehri.

"The operation was accompanied by an internet shutdown and road blockades, while unconfirmed reports indicate that many individuals were taken to undisclosed locations," Paank stated.

Citing local sources, another human rights organisation, Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) said that there has been a surge in drone strikes, violence and enforced disappearances as Pakistani military operations continue in Zehri, with all entry and exit routes to the region completely sealed off.

"A full curfew has been imposed, restricting the movement of residents. A video circulating on social media shows that Zehri Bazaar is completely deserted and closed, while military personnel can be seen patrolling the area with tanks and heavy weaponry," the BVJ stated.

"Local residents allege that serious human rights violations are taking place during the military operations. They claim that Pakistani forces have disregarded all laws of war and human rights standards in the area," it added.

The rights body urged international human rights organisations to pay urgent attention to the worsening situation in Zehri, taking effective action to protect the lives of thousands of people trapped under Pakistani military siege.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I condemn the killing of civilians, we must also remember that Pakistan has been using similar tactics in our border areas. The pattern is consistent - military operations followed by media blackouts and human rights violations.
A
Ananya R
The Baloch people have been suffering for decades. India should raise this issue strongly in international forums. When will the world wake up to these atrocities? 😢
D
David E
As someone living in India for the past 5 years, I've seen how complex regional politics can be. But targeting civilians is never justified, regardless of the geopolitical situation. The Geneva Convention violations are deeply concerning.
S
Siddharth J
While I agree this is tragic, we should be careful about accepting all reports at face value. The situation in Balochistan is complex, and there are multiple narratives. Still, civilian deaths are always unacceptable.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. No political objective justifies killing children. The international community's silence is deafening. When will human rights apply equally to all? 🤷‍♀️

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