The “pro-independence” Baloch armed groups, United Baloch Army (UBA) and Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) have separately claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting power infrastructure and bridges in Balochistan, as well as the killing of a man described by the UBA as a “state informant”.
In a statement sent to the media, UBA spokesperson Mazar Baloch claimed that the group’s fighters shot dead a man identified as Nasrullah Jattoi, son of Hakeem, near Daghari Cross in Quetta at around 10am on 9 August.
The spokesperson alleged that Jattoi had worked with Pakistani intelligence and state institutions for several years and had also been associated with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). The group further accused him of facilitating the arrests of Baloch youths and identifying Baloch fighters.
The UBA also claimed that on 11 August its members used explosives to destroy a power transmission tower near Bakhtiarabad Domki in Sibi district. According to the group, the attack disrupted electricity transmission from the Uchh Power Plant in Dera Murad Jamali to the Sibi Grid Station.
The group further claimed responsibility for two attacks on bridges on the night of 13 August. According to the statement, explosives were used to target Kambri Bridge on the N-65 national highway, causing extensive damage and disrupting traffic.
In a separate incident at around 9:50pm, the UBA claimed that explosives were used to target Dopasi Bridge on the Dhadar–Sanni Road in Kachhi district. The group said a large section of the bridge was damaged, disrupting traffic between Dhadar and Sanni.
Separately, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for an attack on electricity infrastructure in Naseerabad district.
In a statement issued to the media, BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch said the group’s fighters planted explosives on two electricity transmission towers in Dera Murad Jamali on the night of 13 August. He claimed the towers were part of a transmission line carrying electricity from the Uchh Power Plant towards Sindh.
According to the BRG, both towers were destroyed in the explosion. The group claimed responsibility for the attack and said similar operations would continue until what it described as the complete “independence of Balochistan”.
The UBA said its attacks were aimed at disrupting logistical supply routes, movement and military resupply operations, alleging that the targeted bridges were used by Pakistani security forces for the movement of personnel, equipment and supplies.
The claims made by both groups, including the reported extent of damage and the alleged strategic use of the infrastructure, had not been confirmed by Pakistani authorities at the time of publication.