Balochistan

Nearly two dozen civilians were killed in Pakistan on Monday by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). They were pulled out from vehicles, segregated after their identities were checked, and then shot dead by the gunmen. The Baloch Liberation Army attacked railway lines, police stations, and vehicles on highways. As per officials, it is the most widespread assault by the insurgent group in years. 

Advertisment

The BLA released a statement stating that it had killed more than 100 soldiers under "Operation Hereof”, by attacking Pakistan military checkpoints and army camps. The BLA claimed that the attackers, who are a part of ‘Majeed Brigade,' killed more than 40 soldiers during an attack on an army camp in Bela. However, Pakistan’s authorities have not confirmed whether the claim is true. 

Also Read|Russian launches 'biggest' air attack of war on Ukraine, 7 dead|

BLA spokesman Jeeyand Balochm, as quoted by Economic Times, said, “Under the Baloch Liberation Army’s fidayeen operation ‘Herof,’ the fidayeen unit of the BLA’s Majeed Brigade attacked the occupying forces’ Bela camp, killing over 40 military personnel so far and holding control of a significant portion of the camp for the last six hours.” The statement added, “All the fidayeen are still safe and in contact with us.” 

Advertisment

Militants in Balochistan have been fighting for decades to separate the southwestern province from the rest of Pakistan and make it an independent state. Balochistan is home to about 15 million people. The region is rich valuable minerals that haven’t been utilised fully yet. 

Also Read|Risk of all-out war lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash: Top US general|

Balochistan is an important location for China's big investment project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of President Xi Jinping's larger plan known as the Belt and Road Initiative.

Advertisment

The BLA was formed in 2000 to establish a state of Greater Balochistan. As per BBC, several Western nations, including the UK and the US, have designated the BLA as a global terror group. 

(With inputs from agencies)