Who are the Majeed Brigade? The Suicide Squad Leading Operation Herof Against Pakistani Forces

Islamab, Pakistan - A large-scale coordinated attack on Pakistani military forces in Balochistan has rattled Islamab, with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) rushing to deploy all available resources to mitigate damage. Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for what it calls "Operation Herof," a significant and ongoing military operation targeting Pakistani forces in Balochistan. According to BLA, coordinated assaults have resulted in deaths of 102 Pakistani soldiers within just six hours of operation’s commencement.  

ISPR, media and public relations wing of Pakistan Armed Forces is tasked with brocasting and coordinating military news and information to civilian media and society. In light of latest attack, it faces an uphill battle in managing perception of military strength while dealing with internal fallout of operation.  

What is BLA’s Operation Herof?  

BLA, through its spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, stated that attack on Bela army camp commenced with detonation of two explosives-len vehicles at camp’s main entrance and nearby security posts. explosions, described as devastating enough to annihilate entrance and multiple posts, were followed by an aggressive infiltration by Majeed Brige's Herof fidayeen unit.

"Under Baloch Liberation Army’s fidayeen operation 'Herof,' fidayeen unit of BLA’s Majeed Brige attacked occupying forces’ Bela camp, killing over 40 military personnel so far and maintaining control of a significant portion of camp for last six hours," Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement. spokesperson furr revealed that attackers are reportedly unharmed and in communication with BLA leership, indicating that assault is ongoing and vancing within camp.  

Majeed Brige: Force Behind Offensive

At forefront of this offensive is Majeed Brige, a unit known for its high-profile suicide attacks. Named after two Baloch brors, Majeed Langove Senior and Junior, who became martyrs for Balochi cause, Brige is a symbol of fierce resistance. Majeed Brige's operations have targeted key strategic points, including military convoys and infrastructure in Balochistan, and its renewed focus on high-value targets suggests an escalation in BLA's tactics.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and most resource-rich province, has long been a region of unrest and insurgency. Despite its vast natural wealth, ethnic Baloch population remains among poorest and most marginalized in Pakistan. province’s rich resources, such as natural gas and minerals, have primarily benefited or provinces, leing to deep-seated resentment.  

Historical Grievances Fueling Conflict  

Baloch demand for greater autonomy and fairer resource distribution has been met with repression and military crackdowns by Pakistani state. In recent years, Baloch militant groups, including BLA, have increasingly targeted Chinese interests in province, notably China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and Chinese nationals, underscoring local opposition to external exploitation of Balochistan’s resources.

Majeed Brige derives its name from Langove brors, who have become legendary figures in Baloch nationalist narratives. Majeed Langove Senior, who died in a failed attempt to assassinate n-Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1974, and his younger bror Majeed Junior, who perished fighting Pakistani forces in 2010, symbolize Baloch struggle for self-determination. brors’ sacrifices have inspired continued resistance, culminating in formation of Majeed Brige, which has conducted several high-profile attacks in recent years, including strikes on Chinese consulates and infrastructure projects.  

ISPR's Challenge: Driving Narrative  

ISPR plays a critical role in maintaining morale within armed forces and shaping public perception of military operations. Its task has been me more difficult by BLA's claims of substantial casualties and control over parts of Bela camp. While ISPR is known for withholding casualty figures to protect military's image, such efforts may prove less effective given scale and impact of recent attacks.

current escalation in Balochistan highlights persistent volatility in province and ongoing challenges for Islamab in maintaining control and countering insurgency threats. As BLA continues to mount high-profile attacks, effectiveness of Pakistan's military strategy and its capacity to quell insurgency remains in question.