Baloch Liberation Army, which is considered the fiercest armed group in Balochistan, has warned that it has “full capability of starting a similar war in Punjab that the enemy is trying to impose on Baloch nation in Balochistan and other countries.”
In a statement released to media on Saturday, Jeeyand Baloch, the spokesperson of BLA, said that: “Baloch Liberation Army considers the defence and liberation of Baloch nation its utmost responsibility. We cannot allow the enemy forces to run rampage against innocent civilians, women and children. Today’s attack was only a short trailer. If innocent Baloch civilians, women and children are not safe and continue to be targeted in Balochistan or abroad then the non-combatant citizens of the enemy state will also not find refuge. We have full capability of starting a similar war in Punjab that the enemy is trying to impose on Baloch nation in Balochistan and other countries.”
In the statement BLA took responsibility of running over outposts of Pakistani forces in Bolan, and claimed it has killed 11 personnel and injured several others.
“The fighters of Baloch Liberation Army attacked outposts of Pakistani military in Jhalawan Thank area of Shahrag, Bolan and killed 11 personnel of Pakistani military,” the statement read.
Jeeyand Baloch claimed that multiple personnel fled the outposts leaving behind their weapons and dead bodies. “The outposts were under the control of BLA for more than two hours and the weapons and belongings of enemy forces were confiscated,” he said.
Earlier, the local authorities confirmed that a serious attack unfolded on multiple outposts of Pakistani forces around 5pm local time on Saturday. The attack continued for multiple hours and backup forces tried to regain the control of the area late into the night.
The authorities this morning confirmed that 8 personnel, including a junior commissioned officer at the rank of Naib Subedar, were killed and six others received serious injuries. The outposts were also completely destroyed.
Baloch armed groups have carried out several brazen attacks in last two years, running over outposts/camps in various areas of Balochistan. Analysts believe the armed groups have changed modus operandi from carrying out distant attacks with minimum direct engagement to direct face to face gun battles. The dramatic transformation in tactics has led to increased casualties on both sides.
BLA in its yesterday’s statement also said: “the uncivilised occupying forces have been completely defeated by Baloch freedom fighters on all fronts. Therefore, they have resorted to violence on innocent civilians, particularly women and children, and non-combatant political workers. Now their cunning acts are not limited to Balochistan and they have begun targeting Baloch refugees and journalists in foreign countries too.”