Quetta, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Four civilians were killed and three others injured in a drone strike in Balochistan’s Mastung district, prompting the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to condemn the attack and describe it as “state terrorism”.
The strike reportedly hit an orchard in the Khadkucha area of Mastung on Friday, killing four workers at the site and injuring three others, according to local media reports citing sources.
The BYC alleged that the attack was carried out by Pakistani forces and called the targeting of labourers the latest escalation in what it described as state repression of the Baloch population.
“Their killing has not just taken four lives, but has also robbed four families of their support, their hopes, and their future at the hands of state terrorism,” the rights group said.
The group further alleged that the use of fighter jets, drones and other military assets against civilians reflected a policy of indiscriminate attacks against Baloch people because of their identity. It said ordinary residents, including labourers working for their livelihood and children, were being placed at risk.
The BYC called for mass mobilisation against what it termed state violence, urging Baloch people to participate collectively in protests.
The latest incident comes days after the Pakistani Air Force was reportedly accused of carrying out bombardment in residential areas of Gidar in Balochistan’s Surab district. According to reports cited in the source material, more than 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed and several others injured.
Separately, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) organised a protest and rally in the Netherlands on Thursday against the reported airstrikes in Surab.
Addressing the gathering, BNM activists described the reported Surab attack as a serious humanitarian tragedy and criticised what they called the international community’s silence over civilian casualties in Balochistan.
The demonstrators urged international organisations to take immediate notice of the reported bombardment and hold those responsible accountable.
The BNM appealed to the United Nations, European Union and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the Surab incident. It also called on Dutch civil society, political leaders and European countries to draw attention to alleged rights violations in Balochistan and support affected families.
The allegations made by the Baloch groups come amid continuing tensions and reports of violence in the restive province.
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