Balochistan, Pakistan – The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a significant and ongoing military operation dubbed "Operation Herof," targeting Pakistani military forces in Balochistan. According to BLA reports, the coordinated attacks have resulted in the deaths of 102 Pakistani soldiers within six hours of the operation's commencement.  

The BLA’s statement revealed that the operation involved suicide attackers from the Majeed Brigade, a notorious faction known for carrying out high-profile attacks. The operation, which began with a daring assault on the Bela army camp, has reportedly led to the capture of large sections of the camp and the establishment of checkpoints across key highways in the province to ambush military convoys.  

Operation Herof: BLA’s Coordinated Assault  

According to the BLA’s spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, the attack on the Bela army camp began with the detonation of two explosives-laden vehicles at the camp’s main entrance and nearby security posts the previous night. The explosions, described as powerful enough to destroy the entrance and security posts, were followed by an aggressive infiltration of the camp by the Herof fidayeen unit of the Majeed Brigade.

"Under the Baloch Liberation Army’s fidayeen operation 'Herof,' the fidayeen unit of the BLA’s Majeed Brigade attacked the occupying forces’ Bela camp, killing over 40 military personnel so far and holding control of a significant portion of the camp for the last six hours," Jeeyand Baloch said in the statement. He added that all the fidayeen attackers were still safe and maintained communication with the BLA leadership, indicating that the fighters continue to "advance against the enemy" within the camp.  

Widespread Checkpoints and Military Casualties  

In addition to the assault on the Bela camp, the BLA fighters have reportedly seized control of major highways across Balochistan by setting up checkpoints. These efforts were coordinated by the Fatah Squad and the Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) of the BLA, leading to further casualties among Pakistani military personnel.

"So far, 62 personnel have been killed in the blockades and clashes with the military, bringing the total number of enemy military personnel killed to 102," the BLA statement detailed. The fighters reportedly captured over 22 military, police, and Levies personnel during these operations.

The statement also provided specific details on the checkpoints set up by the BLA, noting that the majority of those killed at these locations were military personnel travelling in civilian clothes on passenger buses. These individuals were identified and subsequently executed by BLA fighters.  

Strategic Blockades Across Balochistan  

The BLA’s strategic blockades have been established on several key highways in Balochistan, including the Gwadar-Jiwani Coastal Highway, Mand-Turbat Highway in the Hotabad area, Abdoi Highway in Tegran, Turbat-Heronk CPEC Highway, Quetta-Taftan Highway, Noshki-Kharan Highway, Mastung-Khadkucha Highway, Kalat-Karachi Highway, Bolan and Koh-e-Sulaiman’s main highways, Balgtar-Panjgur, and Sibi-Mithri Highways.   

These blockades have effectively paralyzed military movement and supply lines across the province. The BLA’s Operation Herof comes at a time of heightened military activity in Pakistan.   

Pakistan's Military Response Amid Rising Insurgency  

The Pakistani government recently launched "Operation Azm-e-Istehkam" (Resolve for Stability) in response to a surge in violence across the country. The operation was announced following a review led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures, particularly the National Action Plan, which was adopted in the aftermath of the December 2014 Peshawar Army Public School attack. The attack, claimed by the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), resulted in over 140 deaths, mostly of students.

In 2023 alone, Pakistan experienced nearly 1,000 casualties from almost 700 incidents of violence, with a significant concentration of attacks in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan. Many of these attacks targeted law enforcement personnel, contributing to an environment of escalating conflict and instability.  

Violent attacks have persisted into 2024, with notable incidents targeting Chinese installations and personnel, critical to the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. In March, an attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers resulted in the deaths of at least five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani.  

The security of Chinese nationals and interests has become a focal point of Pakistan's military operations, underscored by a recent five-day visit to China by Prime Minister Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. Their agenda emphasized the importance of protecting Chinese investments and personnel, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two nations.  

BLA’s Growing Insurgency and Regional Implications  

This latest series of attacks by the BLA underscores the growing intensity and coordination of the insurgency in Balochistan, a region long plagued by conflict and separatist violence. The BLA’s bold move to target a major army camp and establish widespread control over key transportation routes highlights their capability and determination to challenge Pakistani military presence in the region.

As Operation Herof unfolds, it raises serious concerns about the stability of Balochistan and the effectiveness of Pakistani counterinsurgency efforts. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of further escalations as the BLA continues its assault on military targets across the province.