The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said on Saturday it executed Siraj Jatoi, alleged to be the leader of a “death squad” backed by Pakistani forces, and carried out a bomb attack targeting a Frontier Works Organization (FWO) vehicle in Turbat.
In a statement to the media, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group’s fighters raided a so-called death squad hideout in Dhadar on January 9, detaining four individuals, including Jatoi. The statement alleged Jatoi admitted to working under Pakistani military patronage since 2019, orchestrating house raids and enforced disappearances across Dhadar and Bibi Nani.
The BLA said Jatoi confessed to operating under senior military officials, including Colonel Waqas, Colonel Zia, and Brigadier Umar, facilitating military operations in Balochistan. According to the BLA, Jatoi was sentenced to death by the “Baloch National Court” and executed on Friday night, while three other detainees were released after being found innocent.
Separately, BLA fighters reportedly targeted an FWO vehicle with a remote-controlled IED in Turbat’s Kalatuk area on Saturday, injuring three personnel and causing significant damage. The BLA said it takes full responsibility for both attacks and warned that anyone tied to Jatoi’s alleged network would face similar consequences.
Meanwhile, another “pro-independence” armed group, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), claimed responsibility for attacks on Saturday in the Pirandar area of Awaran. The spokesperson for the group, Major Gwahram Baloch, said BLF fighters targeted vehicles of a construction company involved in road building. Security personnel stationed nearby were also reportedly targeted.
The BLF said the attack on a military checkpoint inflicted “human and material losses” on Pakistani forces. Major Gwahram Baloch reiterated the group’s intent to continue what he called a resistance campaign against “occupying forces” until achieving independence for Balochistan.