The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), through its spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch, has released statements claiming responsibility for recent attacks on Pakistani military forces and paying tribute to a fallen fighter. The statements, released on August 9 and 10, detail the group’s activities and its stance on Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.
Attack on Pakistani Military Checkpoint
On August 10, 2024, BLF fighters attacked a Pakistani military checkpoint located between the Latad and Sherozai areas in Kharan. The attack occurred at 5 PM and involved the use of rockets, inflicting significant personnel and material losses on the forces, group’s spokesperson Mjr Gwahram Baloch claimed.
The BLF spokesperson urged the Baloch public to boycott Pakistan’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 14, referring to Pakistan as an occupying force in Balochistan. He stated that the BLF views these celebrations as illegitimate and warned that they would target such events. The spokesperson emphasized that the Balochistan’s liberation movement and Baloch fighters enjoy widespread support from the Baloch people, who do not recognize Pakistan’s authority or its independence day.
The statement also accused the Pakistani military of forcibly bringing people out of their homes in various Baloch regions to use them as human shields during the August 14 events, thereby attempting to shield themselves from potential attacks by the BLF. The BLF views this tactic as a sign of the Pakistani military’s defeat against the Baloch fighters.
Killing of Abbas Alias Lakko
In a separate statement issued on August 9, 2024, Major Gwahram Baloch reported that BLF fighters killed Abbas, also known as Lakko, in an attack in the Jhao Waja Bagh main bazaar on August 8. Abbas was identified as a leader of a local government-supported death squad and a former BLF fighter who had surrendered to Pakistani forces in 2018. After his surrender, he collaborated with Pakistani forces in the persecution and forced disappearance of Baloch activists, BLF spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, Abbas was repeatedly warned by the BLF to cease his activities against the Baloch independence movement but continued his actions, which included blackmailing families of Baloch activists and direct involvement in their disappearances. The BLF accused Abbas of involvement in the killings of several Baloch fighters, including Commander Shaheed Muheem and Shaheed Orangzeb, and the death of Noor Bakhsh in Awaran’s Piran Dar Lop area in 2023.
The BLF claimed responsibility for Abbas’s death, citing his crimes against Baloch society and the national movement. The spokesperson warned other individuals involved in similar activities to cease their actions or face the same consequences.
Tribute to Second Lieutenant Shambeen
In a third statement, the BLF paid tribute to “martyr” Second Lieutenant Shambeen, also known as Shehak, who was killed in combat on August 9, 2024. According to the spokesperson, Shambeen died fighting against a local death squad in the Jhao Jhal area of Tado Kaor. He highlighted Shambeen’s dedication and contributions to the Balochistan’s liberation movement, stating that he had played a crucial role in several battles, inflicting heavy losses on the “enemy.”
The BLF vowed to avenge Shambeen’s death and continue the struggle for Balochistan’s independence. The spokesperson called on Baloch youth to join the movement and work in an organized manner to achieve freedom, emphasizing that true prosperity for the Baloch people lies in liberation from occupation.
The Balochistan Liberation Front reiterated its commitment to its fighters and pledged to continue the fight for independence in honor of those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause.