Unidentified armed men seized 20 police recruits traveling home from the Kalat Police Training Centre in Mastung, Balochistan, on the Quetta‑Karachi highway.
Key Facts of the Abduction
- 20 Levies Force recruits intercepted while in a passenger van.
- Armed men on motorcycles with automatic weapons seized the van and vehicle.
- Driver and three other passengers were released unharmed.
- No group has claimed responsibility; search underway in nearby mountains.
- The incident follows a pattern of abductions in Balochistan, including a former commissioner last month.
Balochistan’s Security Landscape
The recruits belonged to the Rakhshan division, and the Levies Force has recently merged with the provincial police. The region has seen a spate of kidnappings, from officials to civilians, often linked to tribal disputes and insurgent activity. While no claim of responsibility has emerged, security forces have intensified patrols along the Quetta‑Karachi corridor.
What Comes Next for Balochistan Police
Search teams are combing the surrounding mountains, hoping to locate the abducted personnel and the seized vehicle. The incident underscores the need for tighter convoy security and may prompt a review of training‑center protocols. Local authorities are also engaging tribal elders to deter future abductions.