Amidst the tumultuous landscape of Balochistan, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) emerged as a formidable force in 2023 by persistently engaging in armed operations to bring down the occupying Pak Army personnel as well as its collaborators, achieving significant victories throughout the year. The operations have resulted in the defeat of enemy forces that were routed on several fronts by the highly trained fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army.
During these operations in 2023, the BLA executed 247 attacks on the enemy forces including 9 special operations and two self-sacrificing operations. These actions led to the elimination of at least 171 enemy personnel with an additional 251 injured. Furthermore, 42 collaborators, informants and agents were also neutralized during these operations.
Pak Army suffered significant material losses as a result of these operations, which also destroyed 99 cars and motorcycles. In addition, the BLA targeted attacks on four drones and twenty-three military installations.
Of the major operations, two self-sacrificing missions involving three fidayees were coordinated by the Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army. One such operation occurred on June 24, 2023, when enemy forces suffered significant losses as Fidayee Sumaiya Qalandarani targeted a high-value military target in Turbat, Pakistan.
As part of the third phase of operation Zir Pahazag, another noteworthy operation took place on August 13, 2023. In Gwadar, BLA’s Majeed Brigade, under the leadership of fidayees Naveed Baloch alias Aslam and Maqbool Baloch alias Qayim, carried out a successful two-hour operation. Eleven Pak Army personnel and four Chinese nationals were killed in this operation, and many more were injured.
Seven operations were carried out by the BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) and Fateh Squad during the year. Two personnel were arrested after the Fateh Squad raided an enemy camp near Quetta and took everything belonging to the enemy. Meanwhile, STOS targeted members of Pak Army subordinate organizations.
As a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made in the liberation struggle, 14 freedom fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army were martyred in 2023. These fighters included Martyr Mumtaz alias Mullah Behram, Martyr Ghanni Marri alias Hassan, Martyr Waleed alias Commando Bahar, and others.
Since 27 March 1948, the Pak Army has forcefully occupied the resource-rich region of Balochistan, and committed numerous atrocities against the Baloch people, causing them great suffering and violations of their human rights. There have been widespread military operations in Balochistan, as well as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, genocide and accounts from a variety of sources. Many Baloch families have been forced to relocate as a result of the Pak Army’s actions, which have instilled fear and intimidation in the community.
The ceaseless military actions have heightened tensions and jeopardized the basic liberties and rights of the Baloch people by specifically targeting activists, citizens, and dissident voices. Until the Baloch motherland is freed from the occupation of Pak forces, the BLA reaffirmed its determination to keep attacking these forces, as well as their collaborators.