The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a series of armed operations across Balochistan, including what it describes as temporary control of Mangochar in Kalat district. The group also reported major confrontations in Turbat and Dukki, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Mangochar Assault: State Buildings Set Alight, Personnel Detained
In a statement issued by spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the BLA said its “Fateh Squad” launched a coordinated assault on Mangochar city on Friday evening. According to the group, fighters took positions at multiple points in Mangochar and the adjacent areas of Khazenai, Garari, and Rahimabad — including parts of the Quetta–Karachi National Highway (N-25) — and maintained control until early Saturday.
The group claims its fighters entered and seized facilities including the NADRA office, a judicial complex, a bank, and other government buildings. Weapons and documents were reportedly confiscated before the structures were set on fire.
A separate BLA unit reportedly attacked a Pakistani military camp in the city, resulting in the deaths of four Pakistani soldiers and injuries to others. The BLA also stated that it had detained a local individual, Abdul Quddus, who it alleged was cooperating with Pakistani security forces. The group says interrogation is ongoing.
In Khazenai, the BLA says it stopped a police convoy transporting detainees from Gadani to Quetta. Five police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, were taken into custody while ten prisoners were released. The group stated that those detained are currently facing proceedings in what it referred to as the “Baloch National Court”.
Additionally, the BLA reported the destruction of a key bridge in Rahimabad using explosives, followed by an ambush on a military convoy. According to the statement, three Pakistani soldiers were killed and one vehicle was destroyed, prompting remaining personnel to withdraw.
Related News: Armed Group Seizes Control of Mangochar, Torches Government Buildings and Blocks Highway
A remote-controlled explosion also reportedly targeted a military convoy near Garari, close to the Kalat toll plaza, early on the same day.
Turbat and Dukki Clashes: Casualties on Both Sides
In a separate statement released earlier, the BLA claimed responsibility for armed confrontations in Turbat and Dukki districts, reporting the deaths of 22 Pakistan’s law-enforcement personnel and the loss of six of its own members.
The group said that on 29 April, Pakistani forces attempted to surround members of its urban network in the Dank area of Turbat. A firefight reportedly erupted at around 3:30 AM and continued until sunrise, during which a military convoy was also targeted. The BLA claimed 13 Pakistani soldiers were killed.
Three BLA fighters were also killed in the incident, identified by the group as Sangat Nabeel (alias Ali), Sangat Feroz Sarban (alias Nod Bandag), and Sangat Muhammad Umar Zaka (alias Guru). In its statement, the BLA praised the individuals as “committed to the cause of national liberation” and provided detailed biographical information highlighting their past political and military activities.
In a separate incident on 8 April in Dukki’s Kapori area, the BLA said its fighters encountered a security patrol during a routine operation. According to the group, nine Pakistani soldiers were killed and several were injured during prolonged clashes. The BLA reported the deaths of three of its fighters: Sangat Abdul Wahab (alias Deedag), Sangat Rahim Khan Mari (alias Sarang), and Sangat Zahid Ali (alias Wash Dil).
The BLA’s statement portrayed all six individuals as highly trained fighters with years of involvement in political and military activities, and described their deaths as sacrifices for the “Baloch national cause”.
The Pakistani military has not yet publicly responded to these latest incidents.
The Baloch Liberation Army is a nationalist organisation engaged in an armed insurgency against the state of Pakistan. The group seeks what it describes as national independence for the Baloch people. The Pakistani government classifies the BLA as a terrorist organisation, while the BLA portrays itself as a national liberation movement.
Balochistan has witnessed sporadic insurgent activity for over two decades, with various nationalist groups targeting Pakistani infrastructure, security forces, and state institutions. The conflict continues to pose significant security and political challenges in the region.