Pakistan Forces Accused of Deadly Quadcopter Strike in Balochistan

Two children were killed and three others injured in an explosion in Gowargo tehsil of Panjgur, Balochistan, in an incident that local sources have alleged may have involved a quadcopter operated by Pakistani security forces, according to The Balochistan Post. The children were reportedly playing in Fateh Ali Bazaar when they spotted a suspicious object hanging from a tree. The object exploded after the children disturbed it, killing two boys, aged nine and 10. Three other children, aged seven, nine and 12, sustained injuries in the blast.

The precise nature and source of the explosive device were not immediately established. However, a source cited by the report alleged that explosives had been attached to a Pakistani military quadcopter and subsequently placed in the area. The source also claimed that local journalists were later instructed by Pakistani forces to report the incident as an explosion involving a hand grenade or another explosive device. The incident has once again raised concerns over allegations of civilian casualties linked to military drone and quadcopter operations in Balochistan.

In a separate incident on September 24, four young men were reportedly killed and two others injured in a military drone strike in Balicha, Kech. Their families disputed official allegations that the victims were suspected militants, saying the men had gone to the area for a picnic, The Balochistan Post reported. The incident was followed by a boycott of courts across the Makran division, with lawyers demanding an independent inquiry. On September 18, five civilians were reportedly injured in alleged quadcopter attacks in the Balochabad and Bullo areas of Mand.

Balochistan has also continued to face allegations of enforced disappearances and other human rights violations. Critics and local communities say reports of arbitrary arrests, disappearances and limited accountability have deepened insecurity and mistrust, further complicating efforts to establish lasting peace and restore public confidence in state institutions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.