The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed that its fighters captured 17 Pakistani security personnel during the second phase of “Operation Herof,” announcing that seven soldiers remain in its custody and could face execution if a prisoner exchange is not arranged within a week.
In a statement issued to media, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group’s fighters detained the personnel across multiple fronts during the second phase of its recent “Operation Herof.” According to the statement, ten of those held were later released after what the organization described as an initial review.
The spokesperson said those individuals were freed after being identified as Baloch or affiliated with local police and Levies forces. The decision, he added, was made in consideration of “ground realities, local identity and the interests of the Baloch people.”
The remaining seven detainees, whom the group described as members of regular units of the Pakistani army, were kept in BLA custody. The spokesperson claimed they were presented before what he called a “Baloch national court,” where proceedings were conducted against them.
According to the statement, the detainees faced allegations including involvement in military operations against civilian populations, enforced disappearances and participation in actions described by the group as genocide against Baloch people. The spokesperson asserted that the accused were given an opportunity to defend themselves, evidence was presented and confessional statements were recorded before the court reached its verdict.
The BLA said its command council has decided to grant Pakistan a seven-day deadline to initiate a formal prisoner exchange, citing what it described as international wartime principles and norms governing exchanges of detainees.
Under the proposal, the group said the seven soldiers could be exchanged for Baloch prisoners held by Pakistani authorities if Islamabad shows “practical and official willingness” within the specified period.
The spokesperson further claimed that similar exchange offers had been made previously but alleged that Pakistani authorities did not pursue negotiations.
The statement added that the release of the seven soldiers is conditional upon the release of Baloch prisoners. It warned that if no progress is made within one week, the death sentences announced by the group’s court would be carried out.
Pakistani authorities had not immediately commented on the claims at the time of publication.