In Pakistan’s Balochistan province, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out major suicide attacks simultaneously in many cities and towns. About 50 people lost their lives in these attacks, including at least 17 Pakistani security personnel. After the attack, BLA has released photographs of two attackers, both of whom are said to be women.

According to BLA, one of these women has been identified as 24 year old Asifa Mengal. She was a resident of Nushki area of ​​Balochistan and was the daughter of Mohammad Ismail. He was born on 2 October 2002. The organization claims that he had joined BLA’s Majeed Brigade on his 21st birthday and had decided to become a suicide bomber in January 2024. BLA says that he attacked the ISI headquarters in Nushki. The name of the second female attacker has not been revealed yet. A video has also gone viral on social media, in which she is seen with her friends before the attack. In the video she is seen criticizing the Pakistani government.

Major operation of Pakistani security forces

According to Reuters report, after these attacks, Pakistani security forces launched a major operation. According to Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, security forces took action for about 40 hours and killed more than 140 terrorists. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has also said that female attackers were involved in the attacks. According to the Pakistani government, the attackers entered schools, markets, banks and hospitals in civilian clothes and opened fire there. These attacks started on Friday night and continued till Saturday. There were reports of attacks in areas like Nushki, Gwadar, Chaman, Hub, Nasirabad and Makran.

Balochistan, the largest poor province of Pakistan

BLA said that this is the second phase of their campaign Herof i.e. Black Storm. At the same time, Pakistani Army says that terrorists were not allowed to capture any city or important place. Balochistan is the largest but poorest province of Pakistan. Violence has been going on here for many years. Baloch organizations have been demanding more rights and share in natural resources for a long time.

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The simultaneous attacks in many cities of Pakistan have shaken the entire region. The same question is echoing everywhere that where did the weapons for such large and coordinated attacks come from? Baloch insurgent organizations have been active for a long time, but this time the scope and impact of violence was much greater. In such a situation, the discussion has intensified regarding the strength of Baloch Army, the source of their weapons and their network.

Simultaneous attack on several cities in Pakistan

Baloch insurgents have carried out large-scale violent attacks in Pakistan in recent times. According to reports, Baloch rebels simultaneously targeted about 12 cities and towns. There have been reports of deaths of more than 80 people in these attacks, which include civilians as well as security forces personnel. According to official figures, at least 67 Baloch insurgents and 11 security personnel have been killed in these incidents. The scale of the attacks has raised new concerns about Pakistan’s internal security.

Who are the Baloch rebels?

Baloch insurgents have been active in Balochistan for a long time and associate themselves with the fight for separate identity and rights. They say that they are fighting for the resources and political rights of their area. The area of ​​Balochistan is hilly and inaccessible, where the hideouts of the rebels are said to be. It is also said that they get support in some parts at the local level, due to which their network remains intact for a long time.

Where do weapons come from?

The biggest question is that from where does the Baloch Army get its weapons? According to experts and reports, Baloch fighters buy weapons from the black markets of Iran and Afghanistan. Illegal arms smuggling has been a major problem in these border areas for a long time. Weapons are transported from one country to another by taking advantage of inaccessible routes and loopholes in border surveillance.

Discussion of weapons related to Afghanistan

After the withdrawal of the US Army from Afghanistan in the year 2021, it was revealed that a large quantity of weapons and military equipment was left there. It was feared in international reports that some part of these weapons reached illegal markets. It is believed that some American weapons may have also reached the Baloch rebels through this route. Although there is no official confirmation on this, security experts consider it a possible source.

Presence of Russian and American weapons

According to reports, Baloch Liberation Army i.e. BLA has weapons from different countries. These are said to include weapons of American and Russian origin. The weapons whose names have been revealed include deadly weapons like M240B machine gun, M16A4 rifle and RPG-7 launcher. The presence of these weapons clearly shows that the organization has been successful in acquiring modern and heavy weapons.

Local Network and Support

Reports show that not only external weapons, but also local networks are a major base of strength of Baloch rebels. Hidden hideouts in mountainous areas, local knowledge and limited support help them survive for a long time. This is the reason why despite many military operations the organization has not been completely destroyed.

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