The year 2024 saw a sharp escalation in armed activities across Balochistan, with “pro-independence” groups intensifying their operations against the Pakistani state. Organizations such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), and others reportedly carried out hundreds of attacks targeting military forces, infrastructure, and alleged state collaborators.
Collectively, these groups carried out 938 attacks, resulting in over 1002 deaths, 689 injuries, and at least 546 instances of property damage. Their operations spanned 25 districts and covered 327 areas. Additionally, 76 Baloch fighters were reported killed during these activities. Compared to 2023, the total number of attacks increased by 53%, while reported fatalities rose by a staggering 80%, indicating a heightened intensity in the insurgency.
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
The BLA remained the most active group in 2024, carrying out 302 attacks that reportedly led to over 580 fatalities and 370+ injuries, with at least 171 incidents of property damage. The group claimed to operate across 240 areas in 21 districts, demonstrating an extensive geographic reach and operational capacity. It lost 52 fighters during the year—many of them belonging to the Majeed Brigade, known for its high-profile suicide operations. The BLA said 37 members of the Majeed Brigade carried out six major operations in 2024, allegedly causing significant losses among Pakistani forces.
Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)
The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) conducted 284 attacks in 2024, maintaining its prominence as one of the most active groups in the region. These attacks led to over 280 fatalities and 167+ injuries, with property losses reported in 90 attacks. The group reported activity in 15 districts and 189 areas, targeting both urban and rural locations. Despite its widespread activities, the BLF reported comparatively lower fighter losses, with 16 members killed during the year.
Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS)
BRAS, a coalition of “pro-independence” armed groups, conducted 204 attacks that reportedly led to 41+ fatalities and 30+ injuries. It reported 190 cases of property damage, with activities spanning 16 districts and 189 areas. The group claimed only one fighter was lost in the course of the year.
Other Armed Groups
Other “pro-independence” groups—including the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG), Baloch Republican Army (BRA), and United Baloch Army (UBA)—collectively carried out 148 attacks in 2024. These operations reportedly caused 101 fatalities, 122 injuries, and 95 cases of property damage. These groups, while operating on a smaller scale, remained active in 13 districts and 103 areas, with a focus on targeting infrastructure and state assets.
Comparison with 2023
When compared to 2023, the year 2024 marked a significant escalation in the armed conflict in Balochistan. The number of attacks increased from 612 in 2023 to 938 in 2024, while fatalities surged from 557+ to over 1002. Injuries also rose sharply, from 423+ to 689, and property losses increased from 340 incidents to 546. The areas of operation expanded from 134 locations in 26 districts to 327 locations across 25 districts. These statistics highlight the growing reach and operational capacity of Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups, despite continued counter-insurgency efforts by the Pakistani state.
The armed conflict in Balochistan showed no signs of abating in 2024, with “pro-independence” groups continuing to escalate their operations and broaden their territorial influence. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by these groups pose significant challenges for Pakistani security forces. As trends suggest, further intensification of the conflict is likely in the coming years, underscoring the persistent and complex nature of the Baloch insurgency.