In the latest developments, Baloch “pro-independence” groups Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure.
On Tuesday, the BLF’s spokesperson, Major Gohram Baloch, stated in a media statement that the group’s fighters carried out two attacks. Firstly, they targeted a military camp in Tump during the night of July 16 using heavy weaponry, causing severe damage to the forces. Later that same morning, the BLF attacked a Ufone tower in Jhao, setting its equipment on fire, rendering it useless.
In a previous statement released on Sunday, the BLF reported attacking Pakistani security forces in four different locations in Kech. On the preceding Saturday, BLF fighters launched an attack on the FC checkpoint in the Sangani Sar area of Turbat. A hand grenade was hurled into the checkpoint, and heavy weapons were used to open fire, resulting in the death of one soldier and severe injury to another.
Before that, on Friday, the BLF carried out two separate attacks on Pakistani forces in the Pulabad Kisano area. First, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the group hurled a grenade inside the FC checkpoint. Later, at 9 in the evening, they fired six rounds of heavy shelling at the checkpoint, causing significant damage.
Moreover, on Saturday afternoon, the BLF targeted a construction company’s vehicle carrying a bulldozer en route to Zamuran from Turbat. The BLF fighters stopped the truck near Buleda, setting both the truck and bulldozer on fire. However, the personnel and the driver, being Baloch, were spared with a warning not to assist Pakistani soldiers or companies in any way.
The group’s motive behind such actions is to oppose the construction of infrastructure projects that they believe facilitate Pakistani forces and entrench their control over Balochistan. The BLF issued a stern warning to contractors, construction companies, and transporters to refrain from participating in these projects to avoid consequences.
Additionally, the BLA claimed responsibility for targeting a security checkpoint of Pakistani forces in Kalat. Using grenade launchers and other heavy weapons, they attacked the checkpoint in Kohing, injuring at least three soldiers and causing significant material damage. Following the attack, security forces reportedly opened indiscriminate fire on nearby civilian settlements.
Both groups continue to advocate for an independent Balochistan, seeking to challenge the presence and influence of Pakistani forces in the region.