Balochistan violence escalates as BLA claims major losses for Pakistan Forces

Violence intensified across Balochistan this week as the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed a prolonged offensive against Pakistani security forces. The separatist group said its campaign, named Operation Herof Phase II, stretched beyond 40 hours and spread across multiple districts.

According to statements from BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, fighters carried out coordinated attacks in both urban and rural areas. The group named Kharan, Mastung, Tump, and Pasni as key locations. It also claimed presence in parts of Quetta and Noshki. The group said its fighters pushed back Pakistan’s military presence in these zones.

Meanwhile, the BLA alleged heavy casualties among Pakistani forces. It claimed that more than 200 personnel from the army, police, and Frontier Corps lost their lives. It also said its fighters captured at least 17 individuals. The group described these figures as preliminary. It suggested the actual toll could rise.

However, officials disputed these numbers. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed 17 deaths among law enforcement personnel. He also reported 31 civilian deaths. Authorities have not released further verified details. As a result, conflicting claims continue to shape the narrative.

In another development, the BLA confirmed the detention and release of two senior officials. The group said it freed Noshki Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Hussain Hazara and Assistant Commissioner Maria Shamoo. It described the act as humanitarian. It also claimed it does not target civil administrators unless they actively support military operations. At the same time, it warned local officials against aiding security forces.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s military released its own figures. It said troops killed 92 separatist fighters on Saturday. It also reported 41 more deaths on Friday. The army described these actions as part of counterterror operations.

The BLA also acknowledged losses within its ranks. It said 18 fighters died during the operation. Among them were 11 members of its Majeed Brigade, which the group identifies as a suicide unit. It also listed four fighters from the Fateh Squad and three from the STOS unit.

Notably, the group confirmed the involvement of women fighters. It named Asifa Mengal as one of the attackers. According to the BLA, she carried out a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack targeting an intelligence facility in Noshki. The group said she joined the Majeed Brigade in October 2023 and decided to undertake the mission in January 2024. She died during the operation on Friday.

In a separate statement, the group mentioned another woman fighter, Hawa Baloch. It said she fought at the Gwadar front alongside other attackers. The BLA also released a video message it said she recorded hours before her death. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later confirmed that at least two attacks involved women.

Meanwhile, the BLA urged civilians to remain cautious. It asked residents to avoid security installations. It also called on locals to support its fighters in areas where clashes continue.

Balochistan remains Pakistan’s largest province by area but its least populated. For decades, separatist groups have led an insurgency there. They demand greater autonomy and control over local resources. They also cite political exclusion. The BLA stands as one of the most prominent groups in this movement. Pakistan and several other countries have designated it a terrorist organisation.

Despite repeated military operations, unrest persists. Civilian sentiment in some areas continues to complicate the conflict. As of Sunday evening, authorities had not issued a comprehensive statement on the latest violence. This lack of clarity leaves the situation tense as rival claims dominate public discourse.