Balochistan: BLA terror attacks foiled across province as security forces maintain control

WEB DESK: A series of coordinated terrorist attacks were attempted across multiple districts in Balochistan on Wednesday under a campaign claimed by the perpetrators as “Herof 2.0.” Pakistan’s security forces responded swiftly, neutralizing attackers and restoring control within hours, officials said.

Security sources identified the group behind the attacks as Fitna-al-Hindustan (FAH), linked to the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and allegedly supported by foreign entities. Despite claims circulated through FAH-affiliated channels and some external media outlets, the attacks failed to inflict significant damage.

Multiple districts targeted, rapid response prevents damage

In Quetta’s Saryab Road area, terrorists attempted to attack a police van, but quick action by police and Frontier Corps (FC) troops resulted in four attackers being killed and the area secured.

In Nushki, a fire raid on the FC Headquarters was foiled, forcing the attackers to retreat without causing damage. Dalbandin also saw attempted attacks on the FC Headquarters, where two explosions were reported; security forces cordoned off the area and engaged the militants.

In Kalat, attackers targeted the Deputy Commissioner’s office and police lines but were repelled following a firefight. Additional attacks in Pasni and Gwadar aimed at Coast Guard facilities and a labourers’ colony were thwarted by timely intervention of police and FC units. Simultaneous grenade and distant fire raids in Balicha, Tump, Mastung, and Kharan were also successfully repulsed.

Officials confirmed the overall security situation remained under control, with only two to three security personnel sustaining minor injuries and no strategic installations affected. Analysts noted that the attacks followed recent counter-terrorism operations that eliminated more than 50 militants across the province, suggesting the violence was a retaliatory attempt by weakened terrorist networks.

Foreign-backed leadership, local youth at risk

Responsibility for the attacks is attributed to BLA leaders Bashir Zeb Baloch, Allah Nazar, and Harbiyar Marri, who reportedly operate from safe havens outside Pakistan, primarily in Afghanistan. The BLA and affiliated groups are banned under Pakistani law, with the BLA also designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States.

Security analysts highlighted that Baloch youth are repeatedly recruited into high-risk operations, including frontal assaults and suicide attacks, often resulting in casualties. Propaganda networks linked to the groups then misrepresent these losses as enforced disappearances. Analysts also warned that the targeting of civilian areas, including labour settlements, exposes the criminal nature of these organizations and undermines their claims of representing Baloch interests.

Officials described the “Herof 2.0” campaign as poorly planned and executed, collapsing under the professional response of security forces. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding citizens and continuing targeted counter-terrorism operations against foreign-sponsored networks in Balochistan.

Pakistan’s security establishment emphasized that the accountability for ongoing violence lies with the BLA’s and BLF’s leaders abroad, whose actions continue to endanger local youth while failing to bring any relief or progress to the province.