The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has provided further details of its attack on a Pakistani military camp in Kalat, claiming to have killed 29 soldiers, injured more than ten, and seized a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
In a statement on Sunday, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the attack targeted the 61 Wing camp in the Shah Mardan area of Johan, about 60 kilometers northeast of Kalat city. The operation reportedly began at 9 PM on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday.
The BLA said its “elite Fateh Squad” launched the attack from three sides, capturing three outposts and severing communication with the main camp. The group claimed that several Pakistani personnel fled during the assault, abandoning their weapons.
The “Fateh Squad” is reportedly comprised of highly skilled fighters who serve as the BLA’s front-line unit. Known for their expertise in guerrilla warfare, they primarily operate in the mountainous regions of Balochistan. The unit has reportedly successfully captured multiple Pakistani military camps in previous operations.
In its statement, the BLA said that one of its fighters, Shahzeb Satakzai, alias Gurk, was killed during the operation after hours of face-to-face combat with Pakistani forces.
The group described Shahzeb, son of Amanullah Satakzai, from the Les Dagrhi area of Quetta, as a dedicated fighter who joined the Baloch National Liberation Movement in 2018. Before transitioning to the mountainous frontlines, he operated as an urban guerrilla in Quetta, performing what the BLA referred to as his “national duties.”
The BLA said Shahzeb “played an important role in defeating the enemy army in several battles on the Kalat front.” The group described him as “a very patient, sincere, and friendly comrade” with “exceptional combat skills, especially in ambush tactics.”
The BLA paid tribute to Shahzeb, stating, “The Baloch Liberation Army honors Shahzeb Satakzai for attaining martyrdom.”
Pakistani Military Confirms Attack
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the attack on the Shah Mardan camp. It reported that seven soldiers were killed and four others injured.
The ISPR said security forces repelled the attackers after a heavy exchange of fire, killing six insurgents and injuring four others. According to the statement, the attackers used rockets, grenades, and heavy weapons during the assault.
Escalation of Attacks in Balochistan
The Kalat attack is the latest in a series of escalating assaults on Pakistani security forces in Balochistan.
Last week, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station killed 31 non-commissioned officers of the Pakistan Army and injured over 60. The BLA’s Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Separately, the Baloch Raaji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS), a coalition of Baloch armed groups, said it carried out 45 coordinated operations across Balochistan in the past two weeks. The group claimed these attacks targeted military personnel and infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of 20 soldiers, including a senior officer.
The BLA said the Kalat attack was part of its strategy to intensify operations against Pakistani forces. “The BLA will continue its recent series of intense and large-scale attacks, gradually increasing their scale,” the group said.