Terror attacks in Pakistan rise 27% in May, says report
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Islamabad: Pakistan witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence in May, with terrorist attacks increasing by 27 per cent compared to the previous month, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the country, according to a new report released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The monthly security assessment, published on Monday, noted that militant and terrorist groups regained momentum during May after a brief period of relative decline in activity.
According to the report, Pakistan recorded 128 terrorist attacks in May, up from 101 attacks in April, marking a 27 per cent increase.
The violence claimed the lives of 71 civilians, 68 security personnel and six members of peace committees. Meanwhile, 147 civilians, 35 security personnel and three peace committee members sustained injuries in various attacks across the country.
The report highlighted a significant rise in fatalities compared to April. Civilian deaths increased from 37 to 71, representing a 92 per cent surge, while the number of security personnel killed rose from 28 to 68, reflecting a 143 per cent increase.
Pakistan also witnessed a notable escalation in suicide attacks during the month. Six suicide bombings, including four vehicle-borne attacks, were recorded in May. These incidents alone killed 34 security personnel and nine civilians.
In contrast, only one suicide attack was reported in each of March and April, underscoring a sharp increase in the use of suicide bombings by militant groups.
Balochistan emerged as the worst-affected province during the month. The province recorded 71 terrorist attacks, more than double the 34 incidents reported in April, representing a 109 per cent increase.
The worsening security situation was also reflected in a spike in kidnappings. Of the 54 abduction cases reported nationwide during May, 52 occurred in Balochistan alone.
Despite the surge in militant activity, Pakistani security forces intensified counterterrorism operations across the country during the month.
According to PICSS data, security forces killed 270 militants and arrested 15 others in various operations. Among those killed, 128 were eliminated in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), 62 in mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 71 in Balochistan and one in Punjab province.
The report underlined the continuing threat posed by militant groups and the growing security concerns confronting Pakistan despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
