A “pro-independence” Baloch armed group has claimed responsibility for a highway blockade on a major route connecting Balochistan with Sindh and Punjab, as transport operators warn they may suspend cargo services amid growing security concerns across the region.
In a statement issued to the media, Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) spokesperson Dostain Baloch claimed that the group established a checkpoint on Tuesday evening along the national highway near Dhadar, on the route linking Quetta with Sindh and Punjab. According to the statement, BRG fighters stopped and searched vehicles travelling on the highway for several hours.
The spokesperson further claimed that some drivers attempted to avoid the checkpoint, prompting armed members of the group to open fire.
BRG also claimed responsibility for an attack on the DIG Guest House in Sibi later the same evening. According to the group’s statement, multiple grenade-launcher rounds were fired at the facility between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The group alleged that the attack caused casualties and property damage, although no official confirmation regarding the extent of the damage or any casualties has been issued.
The group stated that it would continue such operations until what it described as the achievement of Balochistan’s independence.
Transporters Cite Growing Security Risks
Meanwhile, representatives of Balochistan’s transport sector have expressed concern over a recent rise in attacks targeting cargo vehicles and drivers.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Noor Ahmed Kakar, president of the All Balochistan Goods Truck Transport Companies Association, condemned incidents involving the shooting and burning of freight trucks as well as attacks that injured drivers.
Kakar stated that transporters are increasingly concerned about security conditions on key highways across Balochistan. He accused authorities of failing to ensure adequate protection for transport operators and warned that cargo services on the Quetta–Taftan National Highway could be suspended if compensation for affected transporters is not provided by 10 June.
According to the association, attacks on freight vehicles have been reported in several areas, including the Loralai-Harnai route and the Quetta-Taftan corridor. Transport operators say the incidents have caused financial losses and disrupted commercial activity.
The association warned that if compensation claims remain unresolved, transporters may halt cargo operations and launch protest actions.
Earlier Threats to Mineral Transport Routes
The latest warning follows previous announcements by transport groups involved in the minerals sector, which had already suspended loading operations indefinitely due to security concerns.
Transport representatives have reported that dozens of trucks have been damaged in recent attacks, affecting the movement of minerals and commercial goods through Balochistan.
The Quetta-Taftan highway, a key route for trade and mineral transportation, has witnessed multiple attacks in recent weeks targeting commercial vehicles.
Previously, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for several such attacks, stating that vehicles involved in the transportation of what it described as exploited Baloch resources had been targeted.
In earlier statements, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed that the organisation had established control over sections of the Quetta-Taftan highway and would prevent the transportation of minerals through areas under its influence.
Reports from Panjgur’s Chedgi route also indicated continued armed presence along the road on Tuesday, with local sources alleging that at least six heavy vehicles were damaged in separate incidents. Following those reports, the movement of large commercial vehicles along the route was said to have largely ceased.
The developments highlight the growing security challenges facing transport and trade networks across Balochistan, where armed attacks, military operations and disruptions to road traffic have increasingly affected civilian movement and commercial activity.