BLA claims major offensive across Balochistan, 52 Pakistani personnel killed in 28 operations
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed that it carried out 28 operations across Balochistan between September 1 and 7, killing 52 Pakistani military personnel and injuring several others. The claims come against the backdrop of separate military operations in the province, with the Pakistani Army saying security forces killed 11 militants in Kharan and Washuk districts on September 6 and 7. The group also said 12 of its rebels were killed during clashes with Pakistani forces. The BLA’s account, as reported by TBP, began with an operation on September 1 at Zero Point in Pasni, Gwadar. On September 2, the group claimed an IED attack followed by an ambush at Guro in Mastung’s Khadkocha area, alleging four personnel were killed and more than seven injured. The BLA claimed its Fateh Squad killed 18 Pakistani military personnel and injured five in Pishin’s Ziarat Cross. Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani Army’s media wing, said eight militants were killed in Kharan on September 6 after security forces intercepted a group allegedly attempting to block a road. It said Ali Baloch was allegedly detained by Pakistani forces in Mastung on August 23 and remains unaccounted for.
Meanwhile, TBP reported two fresh alleged enforced disappearances in Balochistan, while five previously missing people had returned home.
In a weekly statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group conducted operations in Pasni, Kharan, Kalat, Turbat, Mastung, Surab, Tump, Pishin, Jhal Magsi, Noshki, Chagai and Quetta, according to the Balochistan Post. It said an ambush on a convoy at Albat in Kharan and an attack at Garari in Kalat targeted personnel transporting armoured vehicles, with three vehicles severely damaged and personnel killed or injured. Another three were killed in Washuk the following day, it said.
The group claimed that it attacked a joint police and Levies post and checkpoints operated by Customs and the Coastal Police, seized weapons and military equipment, and later destroyed the positions. A day later, it claimed an STOS attack at Hajika in Surab, killing seven personnel and destroying one vehicle. It also claimed attacks in Tump, Mastung, Kalat and Jhal Magsi, and took responsibility for the killings of Abdul Rehman Langove and Rehmat Saeed in Quetta, alleging both worked for Pakistani forces. The BLA’s casualty and operational claims have not been independently verified. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.