In a major escalation on Saturday, Pakistani military forces and state-backed armed groups have reportedly increased their presence in Balochistan’s Kalat district. This development follows a significant attack where fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) reportedly overran a Pakistani military base in the Iskalko area of Kalat.
According to local sources, gunship helicopters and a substantial buildup of military forces have been observed in Kalat city and the surrounding Mangucher region, with additional forces seen between Harboi and Mehlabi.
These forces include units from the Pakistani Frontier Corps (FC) and local police, supported by state-backed armed groups known locally as ‘death squads,’ reportedly composed of hardened criminals and pro-Pakistani militias.
The leadership of these state-backed groups in Kalat is said to be under the direction of Qambar Khan, a tribal chief in the Parood area, who faces accusations from pro-freedom organizations of collaborating with the Pakistani army against Baloch ‘Sarmachars’ (freedom fighters).
This military escalation was reportedly triggered by the BLA attack on the main Pakistani military camp and adjacent facilities of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in the Iskalku area of Kalat. According to reports, the militants captured the base camp, seizing weapons and ammunition and setting parts of the camp ablaze.
Historically, similar major attacks by Baloch armed groups have led to quick-response operations from Pakistani forces with the help of their associated militias. Although official statements assert that these operations specifically target militants, local advocacy groups have expressed concerns that such quick-response military operations often result in civilian casualties.