In the wake of several deadly attacks on Pakistani forces by Baloch “pro-independence” groups, military operations have intensified in key regions of Balochistan. Pakistani military helicopters have been spotted flying at low altitudes over areas such as Manguchar Dam and Mogan, indicating increased troop movements, while the Balochistan has been witnessing a significant rise in military activity.
The most recent escalation occurred in Kalat, where Pakistani forces were targeted in a series of five explosions and ambush attacks that left several soldiers dead or injured. Local sources report that when a military convoy was advancing through the area, a bomb exploded near one of their vehicles, followed by targeted strikes on temporary security posts providing cover to the advancing forces. A third explosion occurred as soldiers gathered at a specific location, with local sources confirming that at least eight soldiers were either killed or wounded.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attacks. In a statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch confirmed that their fighters had inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani forces, killing 15 personnel in six separate attacks, which involved IEDs and direct armed assaults. According to Jeeyand Baloch, their fighters attacked Pakistani military personnel near Manguchar Dam when they were providing security to the convoy. The explosions resulted in the immediate death of two soldiers, with additional casualties in subsequent attacks.
BLA’s statement further detailed attacks on another military post near Mogan, where remote-controlled IEDs targeted soldiers, resulting in the death of two more soldiers. Additionally, a Pakistani forces’ was destroyed by a remote-controlled bomb, killing all four soldiers inside. BLA also claimed responsibility for a coordinated ambush involving motorcycles and military vehicles, which left three soldiers dead and two severely wounded. Additionally, two members of the bomb disposal squad who were examining the area during the clearance operation were also targeted and killed in an IED blast, the group said.
Following the previous day’s string of deadly attacks on Pakistani forces in Kalat, advancing Pakistani forces were in the Kohak area of Kalat were struck by three sequential explosions.
Sources confirmed to The Balochistan Post that these attacks, part of ongoing military operations, targeted the advancing forces. One of the blasts resulted in the death of two soldiers riding a motorcycle, and additional reports suggest further casualties, both in terms of personnel and equipment. These new attacks come after the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the earlier five IED assaults, which left Pakistani forces with significant losses.
In a related development, military operations have escalated in the districts of Kech and Bolan. In Kech, reports indicate that Pakistani forces have deployed heavy weaponry and are advancing into the mountainous region of Siahji in the Dasht area, with explosions and gunfire heard in the area. Locals suggest that clashes between the forces and Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups have intensified, though authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the operations.
Meanwhile, in Bolan’s Mach area, a large contingent of Pakistani soldiers has reportedly set up a central camp, raising concerns of an imminent military operation. Residents of these areas have expressed fear that the ongoing military actions might result in further harm to the local population, with increasing concerns of enforced disappearances amid the operations.