Two Baloch armed groups have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in different areas of Balochistan, according to statements issued to the media.
In a statement released today, a spokesperson for the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), Major Gwahram Baloch, said that fighters targeted Pakistani military personnel on 8 February on the Awaran–Lasbela highway in the Jhaoo area. According to the statement, the attack took place while Pakistani soldiers were attempting to defuse an improvised explosive device (IED). The BLF claimed that two soldiers were killed at the scene.
The spokesperson added that in another incident on 18 February, BLF fighters attacked a Pakistani military forces’ checkpoint near the southern bypass in Kharan city using a grenade launcher and automatic weapons. The group claimed that the attack resulted in casualties and material losses.
The BLF further stated that on 15 February it carried out an operation in the Pishkan area of Gwadar, acting on what it described as intelligence information. The group claimed responsibility for the killing of a man identified as Akmal, son of Naseer, a resident of Faisalabad, Punjab, alleging that he was collaborating with military intelligence and providing information on local political activists and armed group activities.
In its statement, the BLF said it accepts responsibility for the deaths of two soldiers and one alleged intelligence operative in the attacks in Jhaoo, Kharan and Gwadar.
In a separate statement issued today, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG), through its spokesperson Dostain Baloch, claimed responsibility for setting fire to a telecommunications tower in the Londo area of Sanni, in Kachhi district. The group alleged that the tower was being used for surveillance purposes. There was no immediate confirmation from officials regarding the extent of the damage.
In another statement issued yesterday, the BRG spokesperson said that its fighters carried out a bomb attack the previous night on what was described as the residence of a former deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Ali Akbar, in Dhadar, Kachhi district. The group also issued a warning to individuals it accused of supporting the state, stating that it would continue such actions.
The BRG stated that it accepts responsibility for both attacks and said its operations would continue. Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to the claims.