Author: Safar Khan Baloch
A Chinese airline flight landed on the runway of Karachi Airport at 9:45 PM on October 6, 2024. The atmosphere in Karachi was calm, but the city was soon to face an unsettling new reality. It was unimaginable that the convoy of recently arrived Chinese engineers and investors, departing from Jinnah International Airport, would soon be struck by an explosive-laden vehicle at the traffic signal, shocking the city.
Behind the Attack
Shortly after the blast, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), advocating for Balochistan’s sovereignty, claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the BLA’s spokesperson, Shah Fahad of the BLA’s Majeed Brigade executed the attack, targeting Chinese investors. The organization claimed that at least five Chinese nationals and nine Pakistani security personnel were killed, while fifteen vehicles of the convoy were completely damaged in the attack. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stated that the attack was a joint operation by the Majeed Brigade and its intelligence wing, ZIRAB.
What is ZIRAB?
Following the Karachi attack, the BLA announced its intelligence wing, ZIRAB (Zephyr Intelligence Research and Analysis Bureau). “ZIRAB” is a Balochi term meaning “heat” generated from fire. This marks the BLA’s first public admission of its intelligence wing’s existence, even though, in the past, we have witnessed many intelligence-based operations. For instance, the abduction of Pakistan Army Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig en route to Quetta from Ziarat in 2022, the attack on a convoy of Chinese nationals in Gwadar in 2021, the attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in the presence of Chinese nationals on May 11, 2019, in Gwadar, the Fidyee (suicide) attack on a brigadier moments after he arrived from Turbat Airport on June 24, 2023, and the lethal attack on Chinese teachers at Karachi University on April 26, 2022. The BLA’s intelligence wing played a leading role in these operations.
The Karachi airport attack is the most prominent incident in this series of attacks. Shortly after landing at 9:45 PM, the Chinese nationals were targeted. This timely action suggests that the BLA had prior intelligence about their arrival time and designated movement route. It demonstrates not only the strength of ZIRAB but also its penetration into Pakistan’s security system, which is likely to exacerbate the country’s ongoing security crisis.
The BLA’s Changing Tactical Approaches
Over the past few years, the BLA has intensified and innovated its attacks. These coordinated and complex attacks have inflicted serious damage on China and Pakistan’s interests in Balochistan. Through Operation Herof, the Baloch Liberation Army demonstrated its power by effectively seizing control of Balochistan for two consecutive days, challenging the state’s authority on August 25 and 26.
Historical analyses of the Baloch insurgency show that it was initially limited to classical guerrilla warfare; however, in recent years, it has been observed that the BLA has significantly transformed its strategies. This transformation began with the suicide attack by Rehan Aslam, the son of the BLA’s former chief, Aslam Baloch, on Chinese nationals in Dalbandin. After this incident, a series of suicide attacks ensued across Balochistan, further fueling the insurgency.
The Pakistan Army launched multiple operations aimed at weakening insurgent groups by inflicting damage and engaging them defensively in the mountains. However, with the BLA escalating its operations, Baloch armed organizations have faced fewer losses and now appear to hold a stronger position. The scenario suggests that the organization has adopted a new strategy to force the state into a defensive mode, which not only reduces the insurgents’ losses but also strengthens their position. Recent activities by Baloch organizations indicate that they have successfully shifted the fight from the mountains to urban areas and villages.
Analysis
The Baloch Liberation Army has initiated a series of organized attacks in Sindh and Balochistan under the name Zirpahaz, which translates to “protector of the sea” in Balochi. The purpose of these attacks is to safeguard the sea. The BLA’s Majeed Brigade has carried out five attacks under the Zirpahaz operation. One of these operations involved an attack on a Navy base in Turbat, while four attacks were carried out in Gwadar, targeting a Chinese convoy, the PC Hotel, and the headquarters of the ISI and MI. The objective of the BLA’s operations is to demonstrate their capability to protect their sea.
The BLA’s Majeed Brigade has carried out operations such as Operation Ganjal and Operation Herof, which involve attacking and capturing military headquarters. By blocking major highways throughout Balochistan, the BLA aims to challenge military authority, signaling that it is not only gaining control over the region but is also rapidly advancing toward the establishment of an independent Balochistan.
The momentum of these operations by the BLA’s Majeed Brigade and ZIRAB indicates that the BLA is likely to revolutionize its combat tactics in the coming days, and the organization will continue to target the economic and military interests of both China and Pakistan.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.