Quetta (Balochistan), Pakistan, August 26 (HS): Armed clashes erupted across several districts of Balochistan on Monday as the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) marked the first anniversary of its “Operation Herof,” a coordinated offensive launched last year. Security was tightened, highways were blocked, and restrictions were enforced across the province.
In Mastung district, heavy fighting broke out near Aamach Dam between Baloch fighters and Pakistani troops. Local sources claimed that several soldiers were killed and many others wounded. Helicopters were reportedly seen airlifting bodies and injured personnel to Quetta. Additional forces have since been deployed in the area.
According to The Balochistan Post, BLA fighters established checkpoints in parts of Dasht, near Mastung, and Kadkocha earlier in the day, disrupting traffic for hours. In Kech district’s Kalatuk area, armed men set up a blockade on the main highway, briefly detaining Levies personnel and disarming them before release. Eyewitnesses reported extensive vehicle searches.
Elsewhere, an attack targeted a security checkpoint in Mithri (Sibi district), while in Turbat, a grenade blast struck security forces enforcing blockades, injuring or possibly killing at least two personnel, sources said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has ramped up security measures in Balochistan. Train services such as the Quetta-Peshawar Zafar Express have been suspended for two days, while curfew-like restrictions continue in parts of Ziarat following the abduction of Assistant Commissioner Afzal Baqi and his son on August 10. Markets remain shut in Naseerabad, while mobile, internet and banking services stay suspended in several districts.
What is ‘Operation Herof’?
The BLA launched Operation Herof on August 25, 2024, describing it as the first phase of a multipronged resistance campaign to “reclaim Balochistan.” The word Herof means “Black Storm” in Balochi and Brahui. Hundreds of fighters from BLA’s elite units — including the Majeed Brigade, Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) and Fateh Squad — reportedly participated.
The nearly 20-hour assault temporarily seized control of vast territory, with the group claiming to have killed more than 130 Pakistani soldiers, overrun police and Levies posts in 14 districts, destroyed railway bridges, and blocked major highways. Analysts described it as one of the largest coordinated insurgent operations in Balochistan’s history.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
