In a series of coordinated attacks on Pakistan’s “Independence Day”, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said it targeted both Pakistani military installations and events celebrating Pakistan’s “independence.” The “pro-independence” group, which advocates for Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, carried out a total of eight separate attacks across multiple locations, resulting in casualties and injuries.
The attacks took place in Bolan, Turbat, Panjgur, Kalat, and Mastung, underscoring the BLA’s determination to challenge Pakistan’s control over the region. The group, which views Balochistan as an “occupied territory” and rejects its inclusion as part of Pakistan, utilized various tactics to disrupt celebrations and strike at Pakistani security forces.
The BLA said that in Kolpur Bolan, a “state-organized” event marking Pakistan’s “Independence Day” was targeted with a hand grenade, leaving several attendees injured. Similarly, in Turbat, BLA fighters launched an attack on the main Pakistani military camp, injuring at least three personnel.
In addition to targeting military installations, the BLA took a proactive stance against individuals it accused of “collaborating” with the “occupying” forces. “Collaborators” of the Pakistani military were killed in an attack in Turbat, while the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Panjgur was hit with a hand grenade during an independence day-related event, BLA said. The group warned such individuals to cease their activities or face consequences.
The attacks extended to Kalat, where the BLA targeted a Pakistani military camp, resulting in two “enemy” personnel casualties. BLA claimed that in the aftermath of the attack, frustrated Pakistani troops fired indiscriminately towards civilian areas, leading to the death of a nomadic resident.
Moreover, the group said it targeted government buildings in Mastung on August 11, attacking the Police line offices and the Municipal Committee office with hand grenades, causing losses within the Pakistani police force.
Jeeyand Baloch, the spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to target “occupying forces” until what he termed the “liberation of Baloch motherland.” The BLA’s actions reflect a longstanding struggle for autonomy and independence, driven by their belief that Balochistan is “forcibly occupied” by Pakistan.