Clashes between Baloch ‘pro-independence’ groups and Pakistani security forces have escalated in Balochistan following two separate attacks claimed by the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). These attacks, which targeted Pakistani military personnel, have left several soldiers dead and wounded, with both groups vowing to continue their resistance against what they describe as an “occupying force.”
On November 26, BLF spokesperson Major Gohram Baloch reported that BLF fighters had attacked a Pakistani military patrol in the Buleda Zirdan area of Kech district. The attack, which took place at 1:00 PM, left two military personnel seriously injured. Following the assault, Pakistani forces reportedly initiated roadblocks and conducted search operations in the area, allegedly harassing local civilians.
In a statement, Major Gohram Baloch accused local ‘death squads’, drug dealers, and businessmen of collaborating with the Pakistani military, thus “betraying the Baloch people.” He warned these individuals to cease their collaboration with the military or face dire consequences. The BLF spokesperson also stressed that the Baloch people have endured significant sacrifices in their struggle for freedom and would not allow those collaborating with the Pakistani military to escape accountability.
“We will not let the sacrifices of our martyrs be in vain. The Baloch people have already paid the price with enforced disappearances, killings, and forced migration. We will continue our struggle until we drive the occupiers from our land,” Major Gohram Baloch said, emphasizing that the BLF takes full responsibility for the attack.
In a separate development, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for two IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks on Pakistani military personnel in the Harboi area of Kalat district. According to BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the attacks, which occurred on November 25, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Pakistani soldiers, with six others reported as wounded.
The BLA spokesperson explained that the IEDs had been placed in strategic locations along the path of a military convoy advancing into the region. The first explosion, where the explosives were planted in an empty military post beforehand and targeted a gathering of Pakistani troops, killed nine soldiers and injured four others. BLA said that the dead bodies of the attack remained stranded and untouched throughout the day. Later in the day, a second attack was carried out as Pakistani military vehicles arrived to evacuate the bodies, resulting in the death of another soldier and injuries to two more.
“The BLA takes full responsibility for both attacks and reaffirms its commitment to continuing operations against the occupying Pakistani forces until their complete withdrawal from Balochistan,” Jeeyand Baloch declared.