BLA claims killing over 200 Pakistani troops in Balochistan offensive; officials report 33 dead
New Delhi, Feb 2: Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebels have claimed to have killed more than 200 Pakistani military personnel over a period of 40 hours after launching the second phase of Operation Herof, according to a report by The Times of India. The separatist group said it carried out coordinated attacks across 14 locations in Baluchistan, alleging it had captured central military headquarters in several cities. However, official figures present a different picture. According to the Associated Press, at least 33 people have been killed so far in the violence, including 18 civilians, five women, three children and 15 security personnel.
Baluchistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attacks, alleging that rebels stormed the house of a Baluch labourer and killed civilians. He said Pakistani security forces had killed 145 BLA militants in the past two days, calling it the highest number of rebels eliminated in decades. “The bodies of these 145 killed terrorists are in our custody, and some of them are Afghan nationals,” Bugti said. In a statement, the BLA claimed the offensive targeted 48 sites across 14 cities, including Quetta, Noshki, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kalat, Kharan, Panjgur, Gwadar, Pasni, Turbat, Buleda, Mangochar, Lasbela, Kech and Awaran. The group also alleged it had taken 14 security personnel hostage.
The rebels further claimed to have destroyed over 30 government properties, including banks, government offices, and prisons, and set fire to more than 23 security vehicles. According to the BLA, the operation involved gun attacks and suicide bombings across multiple locations. The group acknowledged that seven of its fighters were killed, including four “Fidayeen” female fighters from its elite Majeed Brigade.
BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group maintained its presence across several areas, exerting what he described as “decisive pressure” on Pakistani security forces and the local administration. He claimed security forces had failed to regain control in some areas, including parts of Quetta, while noting that the figures cited were preliminary. In later statements, the BLA said the operation involved multiple units, including the Fateh Squad, Majeed Brigade, intelligence wing ZIRAB, and STOS, operating in coordination. The group also claimed it released some local officials on “humanitarian grounds”, stating that police, Levies and local civil administration were not considered direct adversaries unless they resisted its fighters. It warned, however, that officials siding with Pakistani security forces or attempting to block BLA operations would be treated as adversaries.
