Armed separatists seize control in southwestern Pakistan and kill official

On May 29, 2025, armed separatists carried out a significant attack in the Sorab area of Balochistan, Pakistan, where they briefly seized control of a high-security location. During this assault, they killed Hidayat Buledi, a local government official, who was reportedly trying to save women and children trapped inside his home, which the attackers set ablaze. Local police responded to the incident, resulting in a shootout in which several of the insurgents were killed. The Baloch Liberation Army, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States since 2019, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they had taken control of critical government structures in Sorab. However, the police chief refuted their claim, asserting that the insurgents fled the scene when security forces arrived. This incident left four civilians injured and highlighted the growing insecurity in the region. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, denouncing the targeting of civilians, particularly women and children. Furthermore, a spokesman for the Balochistan government pointed fingers at Indian proxies for inciting this violence, yet no substantial evidence was provided to support this accusation. The attack underscores ongoing tensions in Balochistan, where separatists have long been fighting for greater autonomy and rights. The Pakistani government faces increasing challenges in maintaining security and order in the region amidst these violent engagements and the insurgents' claims of sovereignty. The incident reignites discussions surrounding the broader implications of separatist movements in Pakistan and the government's approach to handling such situations.