A dramatic increase has been observed in attacks on Pakistani security forces and election candidates in Balochistan.
Scores of attacks have been carried out by armed persons against Pakistani security forces in different areas of Balochistan in last few months. Election candidates have also been targeted through out Balochistan.
According to details received by The Balochistan Post, at least 4 attacks were reported only yesterday from different areas of Balochistan.
Turbat Attack:
The most prominent was an attack on a Pakistani military training camp in Aabsir, Turbat. Armed men fired several rockets on the training camp, which reportedly resulted in causalities.
The responsibility for the attack was later claimed by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Jeehand Baloch, the spokesman of the organisation, claimed two Pakistani personnel were killed, whereas, several others were injured in the attack.
He said the camp was being used by Pakistani forces to train Islamic extremists and the local death squads.
BLA posted about the attack on their official twitter handle too:
BLA fighters attacked a training camp of Pakistani forces with RPGs in Aabsir, Turbat. Two Pakistani personnel were killed, whereas, several others were injured in the attack. 1/2
— BalochLiberationArmy (@BLA_Online) July 9, 2018
The camp was also used by Pakistani forces to train Islamic extremists and the local death squads. Our attacks on Pakistani installations in Balochistan will continue until Balochistan is a free land. 2/2
— BalochLiberationArmy (@BLA_Online) July 9, 2018
Attacks against election candidates:
Attacks on election candidates of upcoming general elections have also increased in last few days.
Yesterday, in Mangochar a convoy of Balochistan Awami Party of BAP was targeted by unknown armed assailants. Ziaullah Langove, a local candidate, was going to a meeting when his convoy came under attack. However, he escaped unscathed.
In Panjgur, convoy of National Party candidates, Rehmat Saleh and Phulain Baloch, was attacked in Sordoh, Gwarjak area. The assailants escaped after the attack.
Few days ago, unkown attackers had hurled grenades at retired army general Qadir Baloch’s election offices in Kharan city. Whereas, attacks on different other candidates in Buleda, Panjgur and Turbat have also been reported.
Pro-freedom Baloch political organisations and armed groups have boycotted the upcoming Pakistani general elections. The armed groups had earlier warned through media statements that the election activities and candidates will be targeted.
Attack by BRA:
Baloch Republican Army also claimed responsibility for an attack on a Pakistani outpost.
According to a statement released to media yesterday, organisation’s spokesman, Sarbaaz Baloch, said that fighters from BRA targeted a Pakistani military outpost in Shapkol, area of Kolwah.
He claimed that two personnel of Pakistani forces were killed in the attack.
Different armed groups have waged war against Pakistani security forces in resources-rich, Balochistan. These organisations claim that they are fighting for outright independence of Balochistan.