Balochistan Liberation Army Unleashes Major Military Offensive Across Multiple Districts
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) initiated a significant military campaign on Saturday, launching what they have termed "Operation Herof 2.0". This large-scale offensive began with synchronized attacks at dawn across multiple locations, marking a substantial escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.
Widespread Attacks Spanning Twelve Districts
The offensive reportedly spanned approximately twelve districts within Balochistan, with particular focus on the provincial capital of Quetta. This operation is being regarded as the most extensive assault witnessed in the region since 2024. The attacks employed various tactics, including the use of suicide bombers and involved a notable number of women rebels.
Key locations targeted during the operation included:
- Kalat
- Gwadar
- Mastung
- Noshki
- Kharan
- Turbat
- Pasni
Specific targets comprised government offices, banks, and the Frontier Corps operations headquarters, indicating a coordinated effort to strike at both economic and security infrastructure.
Conflicting Casualty Reports and Official Statements
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding casualties from the operation. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed to have inflicted significant casualties across the region, though they did not provide specific numbers. In contrast, official Pakistani sources presented different figures.
The local administration reported that security forces had neutralized 58 BLA fighters during the clashes. According to Pakistani media reports quoting administration officials, "Fitna-al-Hindustan carried out attacks at 12 locations across Balochistan. During the clashes with the terrorists, 12 personnel of the security forces and the police were martyred." The administration credited "timely and effective action" with foiling the attacks.
In a separate development, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed on social media platform X that Pakistani security forces had killed 70 rebels at various locations across the province over the past two days.
BLA Claims Territorial Gains and Releases Propaganda Material
In an official statement, the Balochistan Liberation Army asserted that they had brought several areas under their control, including:
- Multiple sectors of Quetta
- Noshki jail
- Pasni coast guard camp
- Various police stations
- A military intelligence office
The militant group's Hakkal media wing released new video footage showing commander Bashir Zeb leading armed separatist units on motorcycles, serving as propaganda to demonstrate their operational capabilities.
Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for BLA, declared, "The Baloch nation will defeat the enemy in every city, every street and every neighbourhood." The operation involved participation from BLA's specialized units, including the Majeed Brigade and Fateh Squad (also known as Fidayeen soldiers).
Political Context and Historical Precedent
The attacks coincided with a significant political statement from Hafiz Hamdullah, a top functionary of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), who declared that armed groups rather than the state now controlled Balochistan. This statement highlights the deteriorating security situation and the challenge to state authority in the region.
This current offensive follows Operation Herof-I, which was conducted in August 2024 and resulted in at least 126 Pakistani soldiers being killed with numerous others injured. The numerical designation "2.0" suggests this is a continuation or escalation of that previous campaign, indicating a strategic pattern in BLA's military operations.
The scale and coordination of "Operation Herof 2.0" represent a significant development in the Balochistan conflict, with implications for regional stability and Pakistan's internal security apparatus. The conflicting casualty reports and territorial claims underscore the information warfare aspect of this conflict, where both sides seek to control the narrative surrounding military engagements.
