The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has announced that its first air and drone warfare unit, named QAHR (Qazi Aero Hive Rangers), is now fully operational and has already taken part in missions during the second phase of Operation Herof.
The group made the announcement in a statement on Thursday, describing QAHR as a “modern air unit” marking a new stage in its military development. The unit, the organisation said, reflects an effort to align BLA operations with “contemporary combat requirements” and expand its presence beyond ground-based warfare.
The BLA also released a two-minute video and a set of images. The footage shows two fighters conducting what appears to be a trial operation in a mountainous area before cutting to scenes purportedly showing drones operating in Gwadar during Operation Herof 2.0.
According to the BLA, the air unit draws its name and doctrinal inspiration from senior commander Abdul Basit Zehri alias Qazi, who the group said prioritised technological research and institutional development within the organisation. The statement credited him with playing a central role in conceptualising and establishing QAHR.
The BLA said QAHR carried out its first missions during Operation Herof 2.0, including what it described as “systematic and coordinated drone attacks” on installations in Gwadar Port.
The group claimed the strikes targeted military infrastructure, port facilities and communication systems, causing “heavy casualties and structural damage” to Pakistani forces.
The group said the drone operations had “added a new dimension” to the wider Baloch movement, arguing that unmanned systems give it the ability to extend its operational range, reach sensitive locations and monitor military sites at unexpected moments, creating pressure beyond traditional ground engagements.
The BLA stated that QAHR will serve as an important component of its strategy going forward and that its role will extend beyond offensive missions. The unit, it said, will also support intelligence gathering, communications and coordination between ground units.
The group argued that modern conflict is no longer confined to the ground and has expanded into “air and cyberspace”, describing QAHR as its first structured attempt to operate in these domains.
The statement added that technological capability is an essential pillar of what it called a long-term national resistance, arguing that sustainability requires “intellectual, scientific and technological strength” alongside armed action.
“QAHR is the starting point of a new era,” the statement said, describing the unit as part of an effort to develop “air superiority, information dominance and technological capability” within the broader Baloch movement.