At least seven Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 18 others injured in an attack on a security forces camp in Balochistan’s Kalat district late on Friday night.
According to reports, the attack targeted the main camp of Pakistani forces near the Shah Mardan area in Johan, approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Kalat city. Police said the assault began around 9 PM and lasted for several hours.
Assistant Commissioner of Mangocher, Ali Gull Baloch, confirmed the casualties. He said the injured personnel were airlifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Quetta after receiving initial medical treatment.
Levies officials said that the bodies of the deceased were also transported to Quetta for post-mortem examinations.
Kalat City SHO, Habib Rehman, said the attackers launched a coordinated strike under the cover of darkness. “The attack involved a heavy exchange of fire, causing significant casualties,” he said.
The deceased personnel were identified as Naik Bakht Zameen, Lance Naik Ghulam Ishaq, Lance Naik Abdul Qadeer, Lance Naik Rizwan, Sepoy Waqas, Sepoy Ali Abbas, and Sepoy Saqib Rehman.
The injured personnel include Subedar Allah Nawaz, Naik Ismail, Lance Naik Akhtar Abbas, and others.
BLA Claims Responsibility
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) a “pro-independence” armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said their fighters had targeted the camp of Pakistani forces.
“Fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army attacked the camp of the occupying Pakistani army in Kalat. We accept responsibility for this attack. Details will be released in the media soon,” the statement said.
The Kalat attack is the latest in a series of assaults targeting Pakistani forces in Balochistan. On November 9, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station killed 31 non-commissioned officers and injured over 60. The BLA’s Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for that attack.
Separately, the Baloch Raaji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS), a coalition of Baloch armed groups, claimed responsibility for 45 coordinated attacks across Balochistan in the past two weeks.
In a statement on Friday, BRAS said these operations targeted military personnel and infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of 20 soldiers, including Major Haseeb of the Loralai Scouts.
Condemnation of the Attack
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Kalat attack in a statement posted on X. He expressed his “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families” and directed authorities to provide the injured with the best possible medical care.
“Such cowardly acts cannot deter our resolve — together with our nation and security forces, we will eliminate this menace,” he said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack, offering prayers for the victims and their families. He called for enhanced security measures in the region.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif described the attack as a “tragic loss” and extended her condolences to the families of the deceased.