By Mehrzaad Baluch
In today’s South Asia, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has proved to be a formidable liberation force with both strategic depth and tactical superiority. Over decades of determined struggle, the BLA has transformed into a disciplined and militarily capable organization, effectively resisting Pakistani occupation and actively disrupting exploitative ventures such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Recent campaigns, including Operation Herof and the Zehri Control, have demonstrated the BLA’s ability to lead well-organized, large-scale offensives with regional significance.
Strategic Evolution
Historically, liberation movements rely on ideological clarity, operational strength, and widespread public backing. The BLA has excelled in all three areas. Formed as a response to the forceful annexation of Balochistan and decades of socio-economic exploitation and political repression, the BLA has developed a strong ideological foundation that deeply aligns with the sentiments of the local population. This ideological commitment, combined with professional military training, has enabled the BLA to transition from early resistance efforts to executing complex, multi-phased campaigns.
The recent Zehri Control, described by the BLA as a “military exercise” for the next phase of Operation Herof, highlights its growing operational expertise. According to Jeeyand Baloch, the spokesperson of BLA, freedom fighters from STOS and Fateh Squad, with intelligence support from ZIRAB, successfully took control of key facilities, including the Levies police station, a bank, and municipal offices. This well-executed campaign proved the BLA’s capability to seize and control strategic locations, neutralize enemy forces, and withdraw without losses—defining features of a disciplined and professional liberation army.
Public Support
One of the key pillars of the BLA’s success is its unwavering public support. Unlike movements that risk alienating the populace, the BLA has consistently prioritized the protection of civilians and the preservation of local resources. During the Zehri Control, BLA freedom fighters ensured that no civilian casualties occurred, further solidifying their image as protectors of the Baloch people.
This strategic engagement with the local population has allowed the BLA to gain consistent voluntary enlistment, logistical support, and crucial intelligence. The overwhelming local solidarity witnessed during campaigns such as Dara-e-Bolan and Operation Herof highlights the legitimacy of the BLA’s cause. By safeguarding the interests of the Baloch nation, the BLA continues to inspire a unified resistance against occupation.
Operational Doctrine
The strength of any successful liberation army is its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The BLA’s operational doctrine emphasizes precision strikes, temporary territorial control, and strategic planning. Operation Herof, launched in August 2024, was a carefully coordinated campaign involving simultaneous tactical strikes on military installations across 13 districts. This operation led to the elimination of 130 enemy personnel and severely disrupted military supply lines.
Similarly, during Operation Dara-e-Bolan, BLA freedom fighters held a 70-kilometer radius, including the strategic town of Mach, for several days. This campaign demonstrated the BLA’s logistical strength and ability to conduct prolonged missions without sustaining heavy casualties. The success of these operations reflects the organization’s growing capacity to conduct sophisticated campaigns and maintain control over key regions.
The Zehri Control, planned as a precursor to the next phase of Operation Herof, further proved the BLA’s ability to conduct large-scale offensives with precision. This control was aimed at testing enemy responses, gathering intelligence, and preparing for future strategic campaigns, demonstrating the BLA’s preparedness for sustained conflict.
Projecting the Cause
In modern struggles for liberation, shaping the narrative is as crucial as battlefield success. The BLA has excelled in this domain by effectively leveraging digital platforms and public statements to strengthen its legitimacy. Jeeyand Baloch’s statement following the Zehri Control served not only as a warning to the occupying forces but also as a morale booster for freedom fighters and supporters.
By consistently targeting exploitative ventures like CPEC and foreign collaborators, the BLA has successfully drawn international attention to the Baloch cause. High-profile missions, such as the 2018 strike on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, the 2022 attack on the Confucius Institute, and the November 2024 attack on Chinese engineers at Karachi International Airport, were carefully planned and executed to maximize strategic impact and highlight the BLA’s resistance to foreign exploitation.
Regional Influence
As the BLA continues to refine its tactics and expand its operational reach, it has proven itself to be a key player in regional security dynamics. Its ability to severely undermine major economic projects, particularly those tied to Chinese interests, directly challenges Pakistan’s political and economic stability while posing a significant threat to China’s strategic investments in the region. More importantly, the BLA’s operational success and growing influence have inspired other nationalist organizations, strengthening a unified Baloch resistance.
According to reports from BLA-linked media, the organization’s leadership remains focused on advancing combat capabilities. Efforts include modernizing communication systems and acquiring advanced surveillance technology. The establishment of ZIRAB, the BLA’s intelligence wing, has significantly enhanced its ability to gather real-time intelligence and conduct precision operations. This high level of organization strengthens the BLA’s position as a liberation force capable of sustained resistance.
Conclusion
The Baloch Liberation Army’s evolution into a well-organized and strategically capable liberation force demonstrates the vision of its leadership and the dedication of its freedom fighters. By combining ideological clarity, public backing, and professional military tactics, the BLA has successfully proved itself as a formidable force in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
As Pakistan continues to rely on military suppression, it risks further alienating the Baloch population and strengthening the BLA’s narrative. Unless Pakistan addresses the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people, such as political marginalization and resource exploitation, the BLA’s influence will continue to grow. The Zehri Control has demonstrated that the BLA is not merely a resistance movement—it is a rising liberation force capable of dictating the terms of engagement and reshaping regional dynamics.
In the words of Jeeyand Baloch, “Whenever the occupying army faces the Baloch Liberation Army, the enemy suffers a crushing defeat. This is a clear message to the entire nation that if the Baloch gather their strength, we can easily expel this cowardly occupying army from our land overnight.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.