Islamabad: Militancy-driven violence spiked 27 per cent in Pakistan last month compared to the preceding month, showing the deep prevalence of terrorism-linked threats to the country, according to a think tank report.
Militant and terror groups regained momentum during May after a brief period of relative decline, said a monthly security assessment released on Monday by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
According to the report, the country witnessed 128 terrorist attacks during May, compared to 101 attacks in April, representing a 27 per cent increase.
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In May, 71 civilians, 68 security personnel and six members of peace committees were killed, while 147 civilians, 35 security personnel and three peace committee members were injured.
The report showed that compared to April, civilian fatalities increased from 37 to 71, representing a 92 per cent rise, while security personnel fatalities surged from 28 to 68, marking a 143 per cent increase.
The report also showed a sharp increase in suicide attacks as the country witnessed six suicide attacks during May, including four vehicle-borne suicide bombings. These attacks alone resulted in the deaths of 34 security personnel and nine civilians.
In comparison, only one suicide attack was recorded in each of March and April, indicating a significant escalation in the use of suicide bombings by terrorist groups.
Balochistan emerged as the most affected province during the month. The province recorded 71 terrorist attacks, compared with 34 in April, representing a 109 per cent increase.
The deteriorating security situation was further reflected in a surge in kidnappings. Of the 54 abductions reported nationwide during May, 52 occurred in Balochistan alone.
Despite the increase in terrorist activity, security forces intensified counterterrorism operations across the country.
According to PICSS records, security forces killed 270 militants and arrested 15 others during the month. Of those killed, 128 were eliminated in the erstwhile Fata districts, 62 in mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 71 in Balochistan and one in Punjab province.
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