Recent reports indicate a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pakistani Army. The BLA has claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan province, raising concerns about regional stability and human rights.
The BLA, an armed separatist group seeking independence for the Baloch people, has reportedly conducted a large-scale offensive, dubbed "Operation Herof," targeting Pakistani military and intelligence sites, local police stations, mineral transport vehicles, and infrastructure along major highways. Recent reports suggest that the BLA has claimed responsibility for 71 coordinated attacks at over 51 locations across Balochistan in recent weeks. The group asserts that these operations aim not only to inflict damage but also to evaluate and enhance their military capabilities for potential future organized warfare, testing military coordination, ground control, and defensive positions.
These attacks have occurred in several key areas, including Kech, Panjgur, Mastung, Quetta, Zamuran, Tolangi, Kuluki, and Nushki. The BLA's tactics have ranged from ambushes and IED blasts to sniper fire and seizing security posts, demonstrating a sophisticated and relentless approach. In March 2025, the BLA hijacked a train with over 400 passengers, holding it for 36 hours and inflicting substantial losses on Pakistani troops. In another bold move, BLA forces reportedly took control of Mangochar city in the Kalat district, temporarily detaining local police personnel before releasing them.
The BLA has also directly addressed India, seeking support in their efforts against Pakistan. They have declared that any talk of peace from Pakistan is a deception and a temporary ruse. Furthermore, the BLA has cautioned that continued international tolerance of Pakistan's alleged terror-related activities could lead to broader regional instability, urging decisive action against Pakistan to prevent further bloodshed.
Pakistani authorities have yet to issue a formal response to these recent claims. However, Pakistan has often accused India of supporting the BLA, a charge India denies. Instead, Pakistan accuses India of backing terrorist groups. Pakistan has also blamed India for a recent attack where seven soldiers were killed by an IED, claiming the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) was responsible.
The conflict has had a devastating impact on the Balochistan region, which remains one of Pakistan's poorest provinces. The Baloch people have long complained of political marginalization, economic exploitation, and military repression. They lack access to basic necessities like schools and hospitals, while facing numerous security checkpoints and forced disappearances. Thousands of Baloch individuals have allegedly been kidnapped, tortured, and killed, with hundreds of women reportedly raped.
Moreover, the BLA has begun targeting Chinese investments and engineers working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan. They view CPEC as exploitative and a threat to Balochistan's resources. Several Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects have been killed in recent years.
The escalating conflict in Balochistan, marked by the BLA's intensified attacks and Pakistan's military response, raises critical questions about regional security, human rights, and the future of the Baloch people. The BLA's recent statement calling for international action and rejecting claims of being a proxy highlights the complexities of the situation and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues fueling the insurgency.
