Surge in Militant Attacks and Enhanced Security Forces Response in May 2024

In May 2024, Pakistan experienced a notable increase in militant activities alongside a robust response from security forces. According to statistics released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), there was a 12 percent rise in militant attacks, resulting in a 29 percent increase in deaths and a 30 percent rise in injuries compared to the previous month. Pakistani security forces responded aggressively, eliminating a significant number of militants in various operations.

PICSS reported that militants carried out 86 attacks in May 2024, leading to 90 fatalities and 87 injuries. Among the deceased were 48 civilians, 22 security forces personnel, and 20 militants. The injured included 58 civilians and 29 security forces personnel.

In response to the surge in militant activities, Pakistani security forces conducted numerous operations, resulting in the deaths of 70 individuals. This included 62 militants and eight security forces personnel. Overall, a total of 82 militants were killed during May 2024, with 62 killed in security forces’ actions and 20 in attacks initiated by the militants. This is the highest monthly total since March 2017, when 85 militants were killed. The elevated number of militant fatalities indicates a heightened and assertive response by Pakistani security forces to the escalating militant threat.

The geographical distribution of militant activities in May 2024 included:

In the tribal districts of KP (formerly FATA), 31 attacks resulted in 37 deaths and 19 injuries.
In mainland KP, 24 attacks led to 15 deaths and 15 injuries.
In Balochistan, 23 attacks caused 30 deaths and 45 injuries.
In Punjab, four attacks resulted in six deaths and seven injuries.
In Sindh, four attacks caused two deaths and one injury.

Overall, Pakistan witnessed 409 militant attacks in the first five months of 2024, leading to 414 deaths and 474 injuries. Compared to the same period in 2023, there was an 83 percent increase in militant attacks. However, the increase in fatalities was 16 percent, and the number of injured individuals declined by 23 percent.

The monthly average of militant attacks in the first five months of 2024 has also significantly increased, with 82 attacks per month compared to 52 attacks per month in 2023.

These findings by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies highlight the escalating security challenges faced by the country and the intensified efforts by Pakistani security forces to counter the militant threat.

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