Pakistan Mourns 73 Killed in Balochistan Militant Attacks

Pakistan held funeral prayers for security personnel killed in Balochistan province when separatist militants attacked police stations, railway lines and highways.

Pakistan's military said 14 soldiers and police and 21 militants were killed in fighting after the largest of the attacks, which targeted buses and trucks on a major highway. At least 73 people were killed in the attacks, officials said.

Balochistan's chief minister said 38 civilians were also killed. Local officials said 23 of them were killed in the roadside attack after armed men checked passengers' IDs before shooting many of them and torching vehicles.

The Baloch Liberation Army armed militant group took responsibility for the operation they called "Haruf" or "dark windy storm."

In a statement to journalists they claimed more attacks over the last day that have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said these attacks are a calculated attempt to create chaos in Pakistan.

"We have a good idea of who has planned this and who is behind the attacks.These attacks are a well thought out plan and carried out in one day. We consider it an attack on us. One thing is sure that the entire leadership has decided to respond with full force. We are already in consultation with the Balochistan government. We are in contact with them and we are fulfilling all their requirements," he said

The assaults were the most widespread in years by ethnic militants fighting a decades-long insurgency to win secession of the resource-rich southwestern province, home to major China-led projects such as a port and a gold and copper mine.

The southwestern province is rich in resources and also hosts significant projects led by China.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that security forces would retaliate and bring those responsible to justice.