BLA says 33 Pakistani soldiers killed in 36 operations across Balochistan
Quetta, Aug 24 (IANS) The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for 36 operations across different regions in Balochistan over the past week targeting Pakistani forces, which resulted in the deaths of 33 personnel and injuries to several others.
In a statement issued on Sunday, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said that between Dalbandin and Yakmach in Chaghi district on August 18, the fighters ambushed a convoy of the Pakistani Army and commercial vehicles.
In the attack lasting over 30 minutes, he said three Pakistani soldiers were killed and several injured, while commercial vehicles sustained damage.
The group further said that it targeted the military convoy at three additional points in the Charsar area, causing heavy losses.
According to the statement, near the Makai area in Kalat district, the BLA fighters attacked Pakistani army personnel with a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) blast as the forces entered an empty bunker to provide security for military vehicles. It said that the blast killed six Pakistani personnel on the spot.
The BLA further claimed that its fighters carried out an IED blast on a Pakistani army vehicle on August 17 near Hoshab at Tal’ area, leaving two personnel dead and four others injured.
The spokesperson said that on the same day, on the Chagai trade route at Charsar, the group confiscated two commercial vehicles, while targeting another commercial vehicle at Nokchah.
Furthermore, he said, on the Nushki-Kharan route at Zareen Jungle, the tyres of two commercial vehicles were flattened, while on the Kharan-Quetta route at Pitkin, the BLA fighters maintained a highway blockade for hours.
As the operation continued, the BLA said its fighters set up blockades at three different locations on the main highway at Pitok and Zeek in Basima, and Gadar in Surab on August 16, carrying out checking operations for hours.
The group said that in the Zeek area, as the Pakistani Army attempted to advance, it was repelled by effective action. The attack resulted in the death of six personnel and injuries to four others, while one vehicle sustained severe damage.
Additionally, the group claimed that on the night between August 10 and 11, during severe clashes with the Pakistani forces, several security personnel were killed and injured.
Meanwhile, the BLA asserted that the policy of “economic blockade” against the “plundering of Balochistan’s natural resources, colonial exploitative projects, and the military movement” of the Pakistani forces will remain strictly enforced.
“Highway blockades across key commercial routes in Balochistan will be further expanded, and all vehicles and projects safeguarding the occupying army’s economic interests will continue to be targeted. Similarly, the ban on transporting rations and logistical supplies for the occupying army in Zamuran and adjacent areas remains in full force,” the group stated.
“All local drivers, contractors, and merchants are warned to strictly abstain from supplying rations or any assistance to the occupying forces. In case of non-compliance, those involved will bear full responsibility for any resulting loss of life or property,” it added.
The group vowed to continue its operations against Pakistani forces until “the goal of national liberation” of Balochistan is achieved.
–IANS
scor/sd/