Photo credit: ANI
The Baloch Liberation Army on Monday claimed it carried out 27 operations across multiple districts of Pakistan’s Balochistan province between April 15 and April 25, alleging that at least 42 Pakistani military personnel were killed during the period.The Balochistan Post, citing a statement by BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, reported that its fighters carried out improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, ambushes, raids and drone attacks targeting Pakistani security forces.It claimed 42 Pakistani military personnel were killed, several others injured, and one soldier captured during the period. The BLA also alleged it seized weapons and briefly overran multiple posts and facilities belonging to security forces in different areas.The group further claimed that three of its fighters were killed. The statement said its fighters targeted advancing troops in the Sohnda area with a remote-controlled IED, followed by an ambush in which several personnel were allegedly killed. It also alleged that subsequent operations in nearby civilian areas led to the deaths of 11 people, according to TBP.The group said Pakistani forces were targeted in the Almark area of Kharan through IED blasts and ambushes, forcing a retreat and causing casualties. In Quetta, it claimed an attack on an “Eagle Squad” police unit on Qambrani Road, injuring two personnel. It also said it killed a local alleged pro-government armed individual in Kohlu district, often linked to “death squads”, and reported further attacks on armed groups and security forces in Besima, claiming casualties.According to the BLA, clashes in Shahrag, Harnai, led to one soldier being captured alive. It said it took control of a Levies post in Jhal Magsi and seized weapons, and carried out multiple attacks on convoys and checkpoints, resulting in deaths and injuries. The group also confirmed the death of one fighter during the clashes.This comes weeks after three Pakistan Coast Guard personnel were killed when Baloch fighters opened fire on a patrol boat in the Arabian Sea near the Iran border, in what security officials described as the first attack of its kind on a maritime security vessel. Intelligence and police officials said the boat was on a routine patrol near the Pakistan–Iran coastal border when it came under fire, killing all three personnel on board.
