Pakistani security forces have killed at least 47 militants in Balochistan province, near the Afghan border, in operations conducted over the last two days. The ISPR announced that an operation in the Sambaza area of Zhob district resulted in the deaths of 33 militants on the night of August 7-8. Another operation, conducted on the night of August 8-9 in areas near Sambaza bordering Afghanistan, led to the deaths of 14 more militants. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were seized from the militants. Mobile and internet services in Balochistan are suspended until August 31 due to undisclosed security concerns. The Balochistan government requested the suspension, as per a notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department on August 6th; this was later confirmed by government spokesperson Shahid Rind. Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14th. Authorities are on high alert due to the potential for terrorist acts aimed at disrupting the celebrations. A bomb explosion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan, recently resulted in three deaths and injuries to 13 others, including three police officers. The explosion occurred near a police patrol vehicle at a taxi stand in the Wana tehsil of South Waziristan. Militant attacks have increased, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, since November 2022, when the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government.
