KARACHI: Pakistan witnessed a sharp escalation in militant violence in August, with attacks reaching their highest monthly level in more than a decade, according to new data released on Monday by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The Islamabad-based independent think tank that tracks militancy recorded 143 militant attacks last month, a 74 percent increase compared to July.
“With 143 militant attacks recorded, August became the deadliest month in over a decade, surpassing all monthly figures since February 2014,” PICSS said in its monthly report.
The wave of violence killed 194 people, including 73 security forces personnel, 62 civilians, 58 militants, and one member of a pro-government peace committee. Another 231 people were injured. Militants also abducted at least 10 individuals.
Security forces launched nationwide operations in response, killing at least 100 militants and arresting 31 others, PICSS said. These operations also caused the deaths of three civilians and one soldier.
