Quetta, Balochistan
The separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have carried out 13 attacks against the Pakistani military and government-linked individuals over the past week in Balochistan. According to the group’s spokesperson, Jiand Baloch, a total of 43 people, including Pakistani security personnel and members of pro-government local militias, were killed in these operations. However, the claims have not been independently verified.
According to the BLA, its fighters carried out operations in several areas of Balochistan, including Besima, Kharan, Panjgur, Chagai, Surab, Killa Abdullah, and Awaran. The group claimed that its operations involved blocking roads, disrupting the movement of security forces, and carrying out targeted attacks.
BLA Claims 13 Attacks
According to the group’s spokesperson, BLA fighters disrupted traffic for several hours along the Besima-Kapuk and Quetta-Taftan trade routes. The group claimed that the actions were aimed at restricting the movement of security forces and preventing security operations.
The BLA also claimed that its fighters ambushed a pro-government local militia in the Sultan Charak area of Killa Abdullah on September 13. According to the group, 25 people were killed in the attack, followed by a nearly four-hour gun battle with additional military units.
The BLA further claimed that its Fateh Squad targeted nine soldiers in Lasbela. It also said that four intelligence operatives allegedly associated with the military were targeted in Jiwani.
Claims of Targeting Economic Activities
As part of its campaign, the BLA claimed to have destroyed surveillance equipment in Panjgur. The organization also claimed that machinery associated with lithium mining was damaged in the Machil area.
The BLA has been carrying out an armed campaign against the Pakistani government and security forces in Balochistan for years. The group has opposed Islamabad over what it describes as political and economic grievances concerning the region.
Warning to Continue the Struggle Until Security Forces Withdraw
The BLA warned the Pakistani government that its armed struggle would continue until Pakistani security forces withdraw from Balochistan.
The group also claimed to have released a video on Monday allegedly showing its fighters taking control of several security checkpoints along the Quetta-Taftan Highway. However, the video and the claims made in it could not be independently verified.
The security situation in Balochistan has remained highly sensitive for a long time. The latest claims by the BLA come amid continued tensions and armed activity in the region.
