The armed pro-independence group the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for 23 operations carried out across various areas of Balochistan over a ten-day period, stating that 16 members of Pakistani forces were killed and several others injured, while four of its own fighters were killed during the clashes.
In a statement issued to the media, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the operations were conducted between 21 and 30 June and targeted security forces, infrastructure, and vehicles linked to what the group described as “exploitative projects”. The group also said it continued its campaign of what it termed an “economic blockade” by targeting transport routes and commercial vehicles.
According to the statement, on 21 June BLA fighters established checkpoints on a main highway in Surab and stopped vehicles for several hours. The group also claimed that clashes took place in the Nasao area of Kohlu after Pakistani forces and “death squads” alleged armed groups aligned with the state attempted to advance into the area.
The BLA said that on 23 June its fighters took control of three locations in Kharan – Sarawan, Nouroz Kalat and Zarozai – for two days. During the operation, it claimed to have destroyed two bridges and killed seven Pakistani personnel in separate attacks and sniper operations. The group also reported attacking Pakistani forces near Basima and targeting a military checkpoint in Khairabad, Turbat, where it said surveillance equipment was destroyed.
On 25 June, the BLA said it imposed road blockades in Mastung and Nushki and seized seven freight vehicles while setting fire to ten others. The group stated that the vehicles were linked to projects it opposes.
The organisation further claimed that on 26 June heavy clashes occurred in the Balbal area of Zehri, Khuzdar, during which six security personnel were killed and several others injured. The BLA said two of its members, identified as Dr Aziz and Mama Marjan, were killed during the fighting. It also reported attacks on an Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) vehicle in Karkh, Khuzdar, and operations in Kharan and Basima.
According to the statement, a remote-controlled improvised explosive device targeted a police vehicle in the Mian Ghundi area of Quetta on 27 June, injuring four police personnel. The group also claimed to have disabled three freight trailers in Dalbandin.
The BLA said that on 28 June clashes occurred in the Kambela area of Mastung, where it claimed two security personnel and two of its own fighters, identified as Jahanzeb and Kohzad, were killed. The group also reported an improvised explosive device attack against a military patrol in Kech and the destruction of machinery and vehicles at a construction company camp near Kharan.
On 30 June, the organisation said it set fire to five vehicles in Nushki and Mastung and seized a vehicle transporting supplies to a company operating at the Zarghoon gas field near Quetta. The group claimed the driver remained in its custody.
In its statement, the BLA said it would continue armed operations and its campaign against infrastructure and economic projects until what it described as the achievement of Balochistan’s independence. The group also reiterated its opposition to state-backed development and resource extraction projects in the region.
Pakistani authorities had not publicly responded to the BLA’s latest claims at the time of publication.