Pakistan hunting separatists after deadly Balochistan attacks

Pakistan forces were hunting on Sunday for the separatists behind a string of coordinated attacks in restive Balochistan province, with the government vowing to retaliate after more than 120 people were killed.

Around a dozen sites where the attacks took place – including the provincial capital Quetta – remained sealed off, with troops combing the area a day after militants stormed banks, jails and military installations, killing at least 18 civilians and 15 security personnel, according to the military’s count.

At least 92 militants were also killed, the military added, while an official said that a deputy district commissioner had been abducted.

Mobile internet service across the province has been jammed for more than 24 hours, while road traffic is disrupted and train services are suspended.

After being rocked by explosions, typically bustling Quetta lay quiet on Sunday, with major roads and businesses deserted, as people stayed indoors out of fear.

Shattered metal fragments and mangled vehicles litter some roads.

“Anyone who leaves home has no certainty of returning safe and sound. There is constant fear over whether they will come back unharmed,” Hamdullah, a 39-year-old shopkeeper who goes by one name, told reporters in Quetta.