Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a Separatist Group, Attacks Pakistan Army in a Unprecedented Scale, Massive No of Casualties Reported
Balochistan, the biggest province of Pakistan, simmering with long-standing grievances, has erupted in fresh violence following the audacious launch of the Baloch Liberation Army’s (BLA) “Operation Dara-e-Bolan.” The magnitude of the surprise attack could be understood by the massive 45 casualties of the armed forces and innumerable wounded till morning hours. The number of casualties could increase to hundreds.
Breaking: Blasts and heavy firing can be heard across Mach city as BLA announces it has initiated an operation called "Dara-e-Bolan". BLA says its Majeed Brigade, STOS, Fateh Squad and Intelligence Wing are taking part in the operation. pic.twitter.com/YIkEsmRg1l
— The Balochistan Post – English (@TBPEnglish) January 29, 2024
Elite Forces Take Center Stage
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has deployed its elite units – the Majeed Brigade, Special Tactical Operations Squad, Fateh Squad, and Intelligence Wing – in this offensive aimed at the heart of the Mach and Bolan regions. Spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch urged residents to stay indoors and avoid highways due to ongoing activities.
BLA’s attack, which it has called Operation Dara-e-Bolan, is underway in an area of over 70km radius. Armed rebels have blocked the crucial highways across the city of Bolan, whereas, fierce clashes are reported from Mach and adjoining areas.
Initial Explosions and Damage
The operation erupted with a deafening blast that rocked Mach City, followed by intense gunfire. Reports indicate extensive damage to Mach Jail and several government buildings, including Railway Station, Police Station, etc while BLA forces have reportedly seized control of railway stations and engaged in combat at key locations, including the FC Commandant’s Office and Jail Colony.
File photo of Mach Jail in Mach, Bolan, which has suffered heavy damages after several rockets landed in the area. BLA has claimed it is behind the attack. pic.twitter.com/etuCciC6Eh
— The Balochistan Post – English (@TBPEnglish) January 29, 2024
Shifting Control and Strategic Gains
A significant development emerged with the BLA capturing the Pakistani Frontier Corps and Military checkpoints near Mach Cantonment and Railway Station. This marks a critical shift in control over strategic positions in the region, raising concerns about the Pakistani security forces’ ability to maintain their hold.
In a tweet, they stated- “The situation in Mach City is highly volatile and grim. Several people have lost their lives, whereas, several more have been injured. BLA claims it has so far killed 45 personnel of Pakistani security forces and the bodies of the deceased soldiers are in their control.”
Mach Under Siege
Mach City reels under a barrage of explosions and gunfire. BLA militants have unleashed multiple rocket attacks, with police confirming 15 consecutive rockets fired within the city. Transportation is severely disrupted, with armed individuals blocking the NH-65 national highway near Pinjra Bridge. The operation’s radius now stretches over 70 km, encompassing highway blockades in Bolan and continued clashes in and around Mach.
🚨BREAKING NEWS
— Malik Nisar (@MalikNi05239752) January 30, 2024
At least five locations including Mach Jail, Frontier Corps HQ in #Balochistan's #Mach #Bolan under attack by #BLA.
Confirmed reports of two fatalities & four injured.
Multiple videos released by BLA of the attack.#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/6LjK3H9pu7
Heightened Military Presence and Information Blackout
The Pakistani military has responded by bolstering its presence in the area, with a significant contingent of security forces reportedly moving from Quetta to Mach. However, the lack of electricity and internet services in the region has hampered efforts to obtain comprehensive information. Nevertheless, ongoing exchanges between the BLA and Pakistani forces have been reported.
BLA Claims and Warnings
Jeeyand Baloch claimed the elimination of at least 45 Pakistani military personnel during the operation, with their bodies in BLA custody. He also reported the arrest and subsequent release of Police and Levies personnel with warnings against hindering the operation. These claims highlight the intensity of the ongoing clashes and the BLA’s apparent confidence in its capabilities.
Breaking: BLA has released an audio recording claiming it is one of its fighters taking part in attacks in Bolan.
— The Balochistan Post – English (@TBPEnglish) January 29, 2024
The fighter claims the whole area is in BLA's control and they have confiscated weapons of Pakistani personnel. pic.twitter.com/sVTB4giO8S
Unprecedented Scale and Potential Implications
The scale and audacity of “Operation Dara-e-Bolan” mark it as one of the most significant BLA operations in recent Baluchistan history. Targeting strategic locations like Mach jail, the railway station, and government facilities demonstrates the BLA’s willingness to directly challenge the Pakistani state’s authority. This operation could have far-reaching consequences, potentially escalating regional tensions and fuelling further instability.
Images of Gokurt Police station that was raided by BLA fighters last night. pic.twitter.com/EUIXgBwi6K
— The Balochistan Post – English (@TBPEnglish) January 30, 2024
Uncertain Future and Calls for Dialogue
As the situation evolves, Baluchistan stands at a crossroads. The success or failure of “Operation Dara-e-Bolan” could have significant repercussions for the region’s future. While the Pakistani security forces aim to regain control and suppress the BLA’s activities, the underlying grievances and aspirations of the Baloch people cannot be ignored. A sustainable solution to the conflict lies in addressing these grievances through dialogue, political reforms, and ensuring respect for human rights. Only through a peaceful and inclusive path can Baluchistan achieve lasting stability and prosperity.
Visuals confirming scale of destruction as BLA attacks government installations in Mach city and adjoining areas. pic.twitter.com/rWppTQgEYB
— The Balochistan Post – English (@TBPEnglish) January 30, 2024
Insights Into the “Operation Dara-e-Bolan” in Balochistan
Underlying Causes and Grievances:
- Resource Sharing: Balochistan’s natural resources like gas and minerals fuel resentment due to a perceived lack of local benefits. This region houses the biggest mineral reserves of Pakistan yet they contribute to the highest percentage of hunger, unemployment, and malnourishment.
- Political Representation: Balochistanis feel marginalized, lacking control over resources and development, fueling separatist sentiments. They demand to have an independent nation of their own. Even though they form one of the biggest chunk of population, their representation in the legislature and executives is trivial and minuscule. Its been more than seventy five years of consistent peaceful fight for their legitimate rights, yet they are brutally refused.
- Human Rights Concerns: Allegations of abuses by Pakistani forces deepen mistrust and anger, lending legitimacy to the BLA’s claims. Thousands of disappeared Baloch young men & women have never returned to their loved ones. They were either taken from home at the behest of Army / Police interrogation or forcibly abducted to never return.
The Baloch activists’ protests across Pakistan are primarily focused on finding out the truth about their father/son/brother/sister/wife etc so that they can perform at least their last rites. The female Baloch activist, leading the protest in Islamabad last week Mahira Baloch speaks about the ordeal of the people of Balochistan and how they are being abused/tortured/assaulted/murdered and not what?
Potential Consequences and Risks
- Escalation of Violence: Increased casualties and civilian suffering, potentially destabilizing the wider region. The Afghanistan-Iran-Pakistan tri-junction is a highly volatile region, abode to hundreds of separatist/terrorist groups. It is not difficult to decipher the potential retort of last week’s retaliatory attack of the Pak Army on so-called Baloch separatist hideouts in Iran, which has categorically attracted this resolute response.
- Increased Repression: Crackdowns on dissent could further alienate the Baloch population and hinder peaceful resolution. As has been the case traditionally with the Pakistani dispensation, the center of the power always revolves around the Pakistani Punjab province therefore resentment has been brewing since its inception as no other province is finding its proportionate representation in the coveted galleries of the power.
Aslam , Hammal and Bahadur chakar are Baloch students, who have been abducted from hoshap and Tajaban, their family members have blocked the CPEC route.
— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) January 28, 2024
On the one hand, the people of Balochistan are protesting against the Baloch genocide and human rights violations, while the… pic.twitter.com/XkZe7ICWXI
- International Scrutiny: Pressure on the Pakistani government to address grievances and seek a peaceful solution. The international human rights agencies are busy preaching morals & ethics to India, but not a single statement is heard on the inflammable situation of Pakistan where all the religious and ethnic minorities are being persecuted every day. Let alone the Hindus, even Baloch people are subjected to the same treatment. Therefore, the international bodies must help Pakistan to accord justice to all religious and ethnic groups. Help, as it will amount to lower the boiling resentment among fellow Pakistanis.
Possible Paths Forward
- Dialogue and Political Reforms: It is crucial to engage with Baloch representatives and address their concerns through political reforms. However, it seems a distant dream considering the history of Pakistan where the Military holds the key.
- Human Rights Protections: Ensuring respect for human rights and addressing abuses is essential to build trust and legitimacy.
- Economic Development: Investing in Balochistan’s development and ensuring equitable benefits can address economic grievances.
.Additional Points to Consider
- The role of regional actors, such as Iran and Afghanistan, in the Balochistan conflict.
- The impact of the situation on Pakistan’s internal security and its international standing.
- The potential for media manipulation and propaganda on both sides.
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