The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for three separate attacks targeting Pakistani forces, paramilitary-linked death squads, and surveillance cameras in Naal, Quetta, and Kech.
In a statement to the media, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said that on March 5, BLA fighters carried out a remote-controlled IED attack in Naal, Khuzdar, targeting Samad Sumalani, the leader of an alleged paramilitary-backed death squad. The explosion severely injured Sumalani and killed three of his associates on the spot, also destroying their vehicle, the BLA said.
The BLA spokesperson accused Sumalani of being directly involved in military operations, enforced disappearances, and targeted killings in Naal, Giresha, Panjgur, and surrounding areas. He alleged that Pakistani forces had granted Sumalani impunity for crimes such as drug trafficking, extortion, land grabbing, and even forcing families to marry off their daughters at gunpoint. The BLA declared Smalani a target on their hit list and warned that anyone associated with him would also be targeted.
Jeeyand Baloch stated that BLA fighters specifically targeted Sumalani and his group in the Naal attack while making efforts to avoid civilian casualties. However, he accused Pakistani forces of using civilians as human shields, increasing the risk of collateral damage. The BLA urged the local population to maintain distance from military personnel and their local collaborators to avoid harm.
The statement further claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on a Pakistani military post on Quetta’s Qambrani Road on the night of March 4. Additionally, the BLA said its fighters destroyed surveillance cameras and related electrical equipment installed at three locations in Sami, Gishkor, in Kech district.
The BLA reiterated its responsibility for these attacks, asserting that its operations would continue.