In Pakistan's Balochistan, Baloch insurgents have incited widespread unrest. The Baloch Liberation Army orchestrated attacks across multiple cities in Balochistan, seizing several police stations and government buildings. On Saturday, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched significant strikes under 'Operation Herof' Phase 2, rapidly overtaking numerous police stations. The sudden onslaught has forced the Pakistani military into retreat.
According to Geo News Pakistan, ten security personnel have died so far, while the Pakistani government claims 58 terrorists were killed.
The focus of these attacks was on Pakistani security forces, public facilities, and other targets. Notably, over 12 locations reported simultaneous strikes.
News agencies confirm that rebels commenced attacks early Saturday in Quetta with a formidable explosion around 6 a.m., followed by two hours of intense gunfire and blasts.
Rebel Balochs attacked Quetta along with Pasni, Mastung, Nushki, and Gwadar districts. Heavily armed, these insurgents conducted gun assaults and executed numerous suicide attacks.
Social media buzzed with claims by local journalists about the attacks. One journalist mentioned armed insurgents had captured territories in several Balochistan cities, noting that in Mastung, they had overtaken a police station and the city itself, facilitating the escape of over 30 prisoners. The situation in Quetta continues to escalate.
In a statement to Arab News, a senior police officer, under anonymity, reported that insurgents attempted to breach the city but were held back by law enforcement. "Rebels attacked a police mobile on Saryab Road, killing two policemen," he said, emphasizing ongoing clearance operations against insurgents.
According to a Dawn newspaper reporter, mobile services in Quetta, Sibi, and Chaman remained active post-attacks, but data services were suspended.
Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and Health Secretary Mujeebur Rahman directed all provincial government hospitals to declare an emergency.
The Balochistan Post provided an extensive account of the attacks.
The Baloch Liberation Army released a video message from Commander-in-Chief Bashir Zeb Baloch, urging Balochs to 'come out of their homes' and join an armed struggle against the Pakistani government, describing it as a defining phase. He announced that 'Operation Herof' has begun a synchronized assault on ten Balochistan cities.
In the video, Bashir Zeb Baloch, surrounded by armed fighters, addressed in both Brahui and Balochi languages.
The BLA chief warned that failing to join and support their cause would phase them out of history, stating, "Only those who sacrifice and those who take lives write history."
He clarified, "We are not extremists. But concerning our land and nation, we are ready to go to any lengths. We haven't occupied another country; we are the occupied. Our struggle is for justice."
Balochistan's Chief Minister's Special Advisor on Political and Media Affairs, Shahid Rind, noted on X that security forces had killed over 70 insurgents across various locations in the past two days.
IEDs, Anti-Tank Mines, and Explosives Discovered on Railway Track
The police disclosed that suspicious explosives were found on a railway track in Balochistan's Nasirabad district.
Nasirabad's Senior Superintendent of Police Asadullah Nasir stated, "An anti-tank mine and explosives were found on the railway line near Rabi Bridge."
He added, "Police, FC, and Special Branch disarmed a suspicious IED on time."
According to SSP Nasir, the items recovered included half a kilogram of explosive materials, petrol, and an iron rod.
Locals and sources reported extremely tense security conditions in Quetta, Nushki, Kalat, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kharan, Gwadar, Pasni, Turbat, Buleda, and Dhadar. Heavily armed confrontations and explosions at police and military sites were reported.
Quetta residents reported gunfire and blasts across several areas, including highly sensitive red zones. The Balochistan Post highlighted an attack on a police mobile on Saryab Road by armed insurgents, killing two policemen and setting ablaze their vehicle.
5:00 AM
- Baloch Liberation Army initiates attacks in multiple cities.
6:00 AM
- Attack in Quetta kicks off with a major explosion.
8:00 AM
- Continued firefight and reports from various regions.
