Author: Mehrzaad Baluch
Historically, the Baloch armed resistance began in 1839 when the British attacked the sovereign state of Kalat. Nawab Mehrab Khan, the ruler of Kalat, led a resistance movement. Despite having a much smaller army than the British, the local Baloch people advised Nawab Mehrab Khan against waging war. However, Nawab Mehrab Khan believed that the purpose of the battle was not just to win but to show that the Baloch would always defend their land. When the British attacked, the Hindu community in Kalat expressed their support for Nawab Mehrab Khan in the fight against the British. Nawab Mehrab Khan felt it was his duty to protect the Hindu minority, but they insisted that their identity as Baloch was more important than their religious affiliation. This led to many, including Hindus and their children, sacrificing their lives in the battle. This event illustrates that the Baloch have historically prioritized their collective identity over religious differences when confronting colonizers.
Since 1948, Balochistan has been under the oppressive rule of Pakistan. The annexation of Balochistan was a clear act of imperialism that disregarded the desires and rights of the Baloch people. Rich in natural resources, Balochistan has been systematically exploited by Pakistan, leading to widespread poverty and underdevelopment. The resistance movement in Balochistan is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people, who continue to fight for their right to self-determination.
The Origins of the Baloch Armed Resistance after 1948
The first phase of resistance began immediately after Pakistan’s forcible annexation of Balochistan in 1948 when the Pakistani military deployed tanks to the region. In 1948, Prince Agha Abdul Kareem Baloch, brother of Yar Khan, began a resistance movement against Pakistan’s control. He subsequently relocated to Afghanistan in search of support to free Balochistan, but he failed to secure international support against Pakistan’s incursions.
The second phase of resistance was marked by the leadership of Babu Noroz Khan, who, in the 1950s, retreated to the mountains to wage an armed struggle against Pakistani forces. His resistance ended tragically when a Pakistani general deceitfully swore on the Quran luring him into a false sense of security, only to imprison him and his followers. In 1965, Noroz Khan’s son and his companions were hanged, and Noroz Khan himself died in prison, marking a significant chapter in the Baloch resistance narrative.
The 1970s: A New Wave of Resistance
The 1970s saw a resurgence of Baloch armed resistance, catalyzed by Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s aggressive military campaigns. In 1973, Bhutto’s regime began bombing Balochistan to suppress the rising armed struggle, prompting a new wave of resistance. Abdul Majeed, a young and courageous Baloch, epitomized this renewed struggle. In 1974, he attempted a self-sacrificing grenade attack on Bhutto in Quetta. Although Bhutto survived this attack, it symbolized the unwavering resolve of the Baloch people to fight against Pakistani oppression.
General Sher Mohammad Marri, known as Sherof Marri, emerged as a significant leader in the Baloch guerrilla movement. Born in 1935, Marri led Baloch guerrillas from the 1960s to the 1990s. His leadership and strategic acumen earned him the status of a mentor to many Baloch freedom fighters. In an interview with the BBC in 1980, Marri eloquently articulated the Baloch resolve to end Pakistani domination, asserting that the Baloch would not live in slavery any longer.
Formation and Evolution of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
After nearly a decade of quiet, the late 1990s marked a pivotal moment in the Baloch resistance with the formation of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) around 2000. The BLA’s operations initially focused on the Marri and Bugti regions under the leadership of Balach Marri, son of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri. Balach Marri’s leadership saw numerous attacks on Pakistani military and government targets, demonstrating the resilience of the Baloch fighters.
According to Sushant Sareen, the author of “Balochistan: Forgotten War, Forsaken People,” the early years of the fifth phase of the Baloch armed struggle were dominated by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Between 2003 and early 2005, the BLA launched more than 1,500 rockets and carried out over 110 bomb attacks throughout Balochistan. Their operations targeted key infrastructure such as power pylons, railway lines, bridges, gas pipelines, and other government facilities. They also attacked security forces and specifically targeted Chinese engineers working on the Gwadar port project.
Following Balach Marri’s martyrdom in 2007, his brother Hyrbyair Marri assumed the leadership of the BLA. Hyrbyair continued to drive the BLA’s operations, maintaining pressure on Pakistani forces. His tenure was marked by sustained guerrilla warfare targeting the Pakistani military and government infrastructure.
The Rise of General Aslam Baloch
Recognizing the need to make the BLA more organized and lethal, General Aslam Baloch, one of the founding members of BLA, earned the leadership of the organization. General Aslam’s era marked a significant shift in the BLA’s tactics and strategies. Upon taking command, General Aslam transformed the BLA into a more formidable and feared organization. Understanding the necessity for drastic measures, BLA, under his leadership, established the Majeed Brigade, an elite unit tasked with executing high-profile self-sacrificing attacks, also referred to as Fidayeen attacks.
He championed the concept of self-sacrificing attacks to cause substantial damage to Pakistani forces and draw international attention to the Baloch cause. This approach was exemplified in 2012 when Baz Khan Marri, under General Aslam’s guidance, executed a self-sacrificing attack against Shafiq Mengal, a pro-government leader. Despite facing internal criticism and initial setbacks, General Aslam’s strategies set the foundation for a more aggressive and high-profile armed struggle.
One of the most significant attacks conducted under his command was the self-sacrificing attack targeting Chinese interests in Balochistan, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On August 11, 2018, Aslam Baloch’s son, Rehan Baloch, carried out a self-sacrificing attack on a Chinese convoy in Dalbandin. This attack marked the beginning of a series of self-sacrificing operations targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan. In November 2018, the Majeed Brigade attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi, a sophisticated operation that highlighted the BLA’s ability to attack well-protected targets. These operations significantly impacted Chinese investments in the region, demonstrating the BLA’s strategic focus on undermining Pakistan’s economic alliances.
Under General Aslam’s guidance, the BLA became more organized and deadly. Even though he was martyred in December 2018, his influence still inspires the Baloch armed struggle. He expanded the BLA’s presence across Balochistan and attracted educated youth with his innovative warfare tactics.
Basheer Zaib Baloch: Continuity and Expansion
Following General Aslam Baloch’s martyrdom, Basheer Zaib Baloch was selected as the commander-in-chief of the BLA. Basheer Zaib, a former chairman of the Baloch Students Organization (Azad), had been involved in the armed struggle since 2008. His background as a student leader and his political and guerrilla warfare knowledge proved him well to lead the BLA.
Under the guidance of Basheer Zaib Baloch, the BLA has entered a more modern era, involving complete organization, logistics units, intelligence units, Special Tactical Operation Squad (STOs), and the establishment of various frontline guerrilla groups, including the Fatah Squad. These units played crucial roles in the BLA’s operations, enabling them to conduct sophisticated attacks and evade Pakistani security forces.
One notable operation conducted by BLA under Basheer Zaib’s command was Operation Dara-e-Bolan from January 29 to 31, 2024. According to the BLA statement, this mission involved 385 freedom fighters from four different BLA units: the Majeed Brigade, Fatah Squad, Special Tactical Operations Squad, and the intelligence wing. The BLA secured control of a 70km radius, including the town of Machh and the strategic NH-65 highway, eliminating 78 enemy personnel. Despite heavy combat, only one fighter from the BLA’s Fatah Squad was martyred, and 12 Fidayeen of Majeed Brigade Unit sacrificed themselves.
Additionally, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out Operation Herof, the largest military operation in Balochistan’s history, from August 25th to August 26th, 2024. The operation aimed at targeting Pakistan’s military and disrupting its control over the region. The name “Herof,” meaning “Black Storm” in Balochi and Brahui, reflects the powerful force of the attack. According to the BLA statement, the operation involved BLA’s key units, such as the Majeed Brigade, Fatah Squad, and Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS). Fidayeen played a crucial role in attacking the paramilitary base in Bela, using explosive vehicles to breach the camp gates and taking control for 20 hours, during which 68 Pakistani soldiers were killed and many others were injured. Additionally, the Fateh Squad and STOS carried out 14 blockades across major highways in Balochistan, leading to the deaths of 62 soldiers. The operation spanned 13 districts, with attacks on 44 locations, including military vehicles, gas pipelines, railway tracks, and key infrastructure. In total, 130 Pakistani soldiers were reported dead, and many others were injured. This operation dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan’s military presence and control, demonstrating the growing strength of the Baloch Liberation Army and weakening the state’s grip on the region.
Basheer Zaib’s role in the inclusion of women has further intensified the BLA’s capabilities. Shari Baloch, Summaiya Baloch, and Mahal Baloch, members of BLA’s Majeed Brigade Unit, carried out self-sacrificing attacks against Chinese interests and Pakistani forces, which strengthened the organization and mobilized many to join the BLA. Shari Baloch, the first female Fidayee of the BLA, executed a self-sacrificing attack on the Confucius Institute in Karachi in April 2022, killing three Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver. Following her, Summaiya Baloch also executed a self-sacrificing attack on a convoy of the Pakistani Military in Turbat.
In continuation, Mahal Baloch, also known as Zilan Kurdi, a female Fidayee from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), along with fellow Fidayee Rizwan Baloch, carried out a deadly attack on 25th August 2024 during Operation Herof, detonating Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) at Pakistan’s Bela military camp, further highlighting the capability and strength of the BLA. According to Amir Rana, the director of Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, Baloch Fidayeen are successful in their objectives.
Basheer Zaib has also been instrumental in fostering cooperation with other Baloch armed organizations. This cooperation has been crucial in coordinating attacks and sharing resources, thereby strengthening the overall Baloch armed struggle. His leadership has ensured that the BLA remains a formidable force in the region, capable of adapting to changing circumstances and maintaining pressure on Pakistani authorities.
Additionally, the BLA under Basheer Zaib’s leadership is striving to advance in the technical field, such as monitoring enemy drones and overseeing urban guerrilla tactics. Despite limited time and resources, the BLA has gained significant recognition and inflicted substantial damage on the enemy. The BLA is a well-organized and responsible organization, tirelessly working to ensure the safety of its members.
Building on its operational strengths, the Baloch Liberation Army announced its intelligence wing, Zirab (Zephyr Intelligence Research and Analysis Bureau), in October 2024 following a self-sacrificing attack on Chinese engineers at Karachi International Airport, executed by the Majeed Brigade with the crucial support of Zirab. As outlined in a BLA statement from October 26, 2024, Zirab is a highly organized and sophisticated intelligence wing of the BLA, comprising hundreds of professionals, including researchers, informants, IT experts, data analysts, and investigators. It is designed to operate covertly, gathering crucial intelligence and executing strategic operations. Its members work through secret cells and are skilled in infiltrating enemy installations.
Zirab’s strategic capability was also crucial in November 2024, particularly in the planning of a significant attack executed by the Majeed Brigade on the Quetta Railway Station. On November 8, Zirab identified a high civilian presence at the intended target site, prompting a decision to delay the operation to avoid civilian casualties, demonstrating their commitment to minimizing collateral damage. The following day, November 9, provided a more opportune moment. Intelligence gathered by Zirab indicated that over 200 army personnel were present with minimal civilian exposure, creating ideal conditions for the Majeed Brigade’s self-sacrificing attack. This careful planning ensured the operation’s success, maximizing impact while safeguarding civilian lives.
This series of events highlights Zirab’s essential role in advancing the BLA’s strategies and operations. Their quick adaptability and impactful decisions prove Zirab a key force in the BLA’s ongoing struggle.
The Evolving Nature of the Baloch Liberation Army
The Baloch Liberation Army has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve its tactics, moving from traditional guerrilla warfare to complex and highly coordinated operations. The Karachi attack on Chinese engineers, Operation Dara-e-Bolan, and multi-pronged Operation Herof are examples of the organization’s growing sophistication. These operations, often coordinated across multiple locations, demonstrate a level of precision and planning that has redefined the BLA’s operational capabilities.
The organization’s ability to carry out prolonged and joint operations demonstrates its strategic planning and adaptability. Through careful planning and intelligence gathering, the BLA has successfully targeted symbols of exploitation, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, as well as the Reko Diq and Saindak Copper-Gold mines, highlighting the organization’s focus on disrupting state-sponsored economic colonization and resource extraction that marginalizes local Baloch.
The announcement of the BLA’s intelligence wing, ZIRAB (Zephyr Intelligence Research and Analysis Bureau), marked a significant milestone in its operations. According to Samaa TV, ZIRAB has successfully infiltrated critical enemy installations, allowing the organization to execute precise and coordinated attacks. One example is the Karachi attack on Chinese engineers, highlighting ZIRAB’s ability to gather actionable intelligence and coordinate complex operations. Another is the November 2024 Quetta Railway Station attack, where ZIRAB’s precision ensured a successful attack, targeting military personnel while avoiding civilian casualties. This level of coordination demonstrates the organization’s capability to operate with military precision, a skill not previously associated with traditional guerrilla tactics.
Furthermore, the intelligence wing’s success shows its focus on professional expertise and investment in modern technologies. The presence of secret cells and the employment of advanced surveillance tools signify a departure from ad hoc planning towards a more structured and calculated approach. This shift enhances the organization’s ability to carry out long-duration operations, as seen in the multi-day Operation Herof, which disrupted Pakistan’s control over key regions.
The BLA’s Majeed Brigade, its elite self-sacrificing unit of volunteers, has revolutionized its tactics, introducing self-sacrificing attacks as a potent tool against state forces. The involvement of female Fidayeen like Shari Baloch, Summaiya Baloch, and Mahal Baloch highlights the BLA’s commitment to inclusivity and its ability to inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds to join the cause.
The BLA has also acquired modern weaponry, including night-vision devices, sniper rifles, and thermal scopes, enhancing its combat capabilities. This technological edge, coupled with its adoption of self-sacrificing attacks and urban sabotage tactics, has enabled the BLA to challenge even the most fortified targets.
Moreover, the organization’s use of mock training facilities and simulated operations, as shown in their videos, highlights their focus on thorough preparation and precision. These innovations have allowed the BLA to carry out daring attacks, such as the prolonged confrontation in Operation Herof, which disrupted state control across multiple districts.
The BLA’s strength lies in its deep-rooted connection to the Baloch people. Decades of economic exploitation, enforced disappearances, and cultural marginalization have caused Baloch people to feel disconnected from the Pakistani state, creating a fertile ground for resistance. The BLA has proved itself as the legitimate voice of the Baloch people, defending their identity, resources, and autonomy.
The organization’s ability to attract educated youth and intellectuals shows the strength of its ideology. Figures like Shari Baloch, an M.Phil graduate, highlight the BLA’s focus on recruiting individuals committed to the cause. This intellectual engagement is evident in the organization’s efforts to promote literature and preserve Baloch culture, using these as powerful ways to inspire and mobilize supporters.
The BLA’s strategic use of digital platforms like Telegram, Rumble, and social media has revolutionized its outreach. Through visually impactful videos, the organization demonstrates its operations, training sessions, and cultural identity, creating a sense of unity and purpose among supporters. Multilingual messaging in Balochi, Urdu, English, and Brahui ensures that the BLA’s message reaches diverse audiences, both locally and globally.
The organization’s digital warfare strategy not only counters state propaganda but also sustains public interest in the movement. By leveraging technology to document and disseminate its activities, the BLA has built its image as a modern and determined resistance force.
One of its successes lies in its secrecy, as shown in the coordinated Fidayeen attacks on FC headquarters in Nushki and Panjgur, where details of each attack were hidden even from fellow attackers. This secrecy is a key reason enemies have failed to thwart BLA operations.
The BLA’s emphasis on intellectual engagement and the creation of revolutionary literature set it apart from conventional armed organizations. The organization publishes works on discipline, warfare, espionage, and weaponry. Many of its members are poets, writers, and academics who contribute to the movement’s ideological foundation. This intellectual approach strengthens the organization’s narrative, providing a clear vision for Balochistan’s future and inspiring both current and potential supporters.
The organization’s literature highlights the historical and cultural significance of Balochistan’s struggle, creating a sense of pride and resistance among the Baloch people. By protecting and promoting Baloch identity, the BLA ensures that its fight extends beyond the battlefield, focusing on cultural and intellectual realms.
Since many of its members are well-educated, its leadership is also based on skill and ability rather than personal status, ensuring efficient management and preparing a new generation of skilled leaders for the future.
Pakistan’s use of brute force has failed to suppress the Baloch resistance. Decades of military operations, enforced disappearances, and economic exploitation have only deepened the divide between the state and the Baloch people. Projects like the CPEC, Reko Diq, and Saindak Copper-Gold mines, often portrayed as development initiatives, are seen by the Baloch as tools of exploitation and colonization.
The state’s heavy-handed approach has led many to view the BLA as the only way to achieve freedom. By targeting symbols of state oppression and minimizing civilian casualties, the BLA has proved itself as a protector of the Baloch people and their rights.
Major Attacks and Achievements
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has executed several high-profile attacks, demonstrating its strategic capability and commitment. According to the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, a think tank based in Islamabad, Baloch militants, particularly the BLA, executed 110 attacks in the previous year. In just the first quarter of 2024, the BLA, along with other Baloch armed organizations, initiated 62 attacks, reflecting a significant rise in their operations. According to Hakkal media of the Baloch Liberation Army, the BLA carried out 95 successful attacks in the first half of 2024, resulting in the deaths of 253 enemy personnel and over 100 injuries. These operations included Fidayeen missions, special unit operations, explosions, and more. In addition, 30 enemy soldiers were arrested, 20 weapons were seized, five enemy camps were captured, 23 enemy vehicles were destroyed, 14 military installations were damaged, and 19 enemy agents were killed. This surge in attacks demonstrates the growing intensity of BLA operations, especially in targeting military and strategic assets.
The BLA’s self-sacrificing operations, often referred to as Fidayeen missions, have been particularly notable for their high-profile nature and strategic focus on disrupting Pakistani and Chinese interests. These include the August 2018 attack on a Chinese convoy, the November 2018 consulate attack in Karachi, the May 2019 attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar, and the June 2020 attack on the Pakistani Stock Exchange in Karachi. Other significant Fidayeen operations include the attacks on FC headquarters in Nushki and Panjgur, Fidayee Shari’s mission targeting officials of the Confucius Institute in Karachi, and Operation Dara-e-Bolan. In March 2024, the BLA carried out a high-profile attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, followed by another on Pakistan’s second-largest naval base in Turbat. Around the same time, Fidayee Summaiya Baloch executed a Fidayee attack against the Pakistani military in Turbat, while self-sacrificing operations continued during Operation Herof and a series of attacks under the banner of “Operation Zir Pahazag” (“Defenders of Baloch Sea”). In October 2024, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade executed a Fidayee attack on Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, targeting Chinese engineers and investors, and this was soon followed in November 2024 by a deadly attack on non-commissioned officers of the Pakistan Army at a railway station in Quetta, which resulted in over 31 fatalities and 60 injuries. These Fidayeen operations highlight the BLA’s ability to target high-value assets and maintain its relevance as a significant threat to Pakistani and Chinese interests.
Over the years, the BLA has also been successful in attacking and capturing several posts of the Pakistani forces, seizing enemy weapons in many of these attacks. As detailed by Sushant Sareen, author of Balochistan: Forgotten War, Forsaken People, from 2006 to 2016, Baloch militants, particularly the BLA, carried out a total of 5,471 attacks, resulting in 4,895 deaths and 9,653 injuries. These numbers reflect the ongoing intensity of the conflict, highlighting the BLA’s continued efforts to challenge Pakistan’s military presence in Balochistan and disrupt its interests.
Future Prospects and Warnings for Pakistan and China
The future of the Baloch struggle is poised to become even more intense and sophisticated. The BLA has demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances. Their recent attacks indicate a clear strategic focus on high-value targets, particularly those associated with CPEC and Chinese interests. As the Baloch Liberation Army continues to refine its tactics and expand its operational capabilities, Pakistan and China can expect an escalation in the intensity and frequency of attacks.
The Baloch resistance is driven by a deep-seated desire for self-determination and freedom from Pakistani oppression. The historical grievances and continued exploitation of Balochistan’s resources have only strengthened this resolve. Pakistan’s reliance on military force to suppress the Baloch has proven ineffective and counterproductive, as it has only fueled further resistance.
China, as Pakistan’s main economic partner in the region, must also recognize the risks associated with its investments in Balochistan. The BLA has made it clear that they view CPEC as an exploitative project that benefits Pakistan at the expense of the Baloch people. As such, Chinese nationals and interests in the region will remain primary targets for the BLA.
Conclusion
The Baloch struggle for autonomy and independence is a just and legitimate fight against Pakistani imperialism and exploitation. The historical and ongoing resistance of the Baloch people, demonstrated by the BLA, is a clear example of their strength and determination. Despite facing overwhelming odds and brutal repression, the BLA continues to fight for their rights and freedom.
As the conflict in Balochistan intensifies, it is imperative for Pakistan and China to reconsider their strategies and policies in the region. The continued use of military force and economic exploitation will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and resistance. The Baloch people deserve the right to self-determination and a future free from oppression. The international community must recognize and support their struggle, as the quest for freedom and justice in Balochistan is far from over.
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.