Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Attack on Pakistani Military Convoy
BLA Takes Responsibility for Attack
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has asserted that it was behind a coordinated assault on a Pakistani military convoy in the Khad Koocha region of Mastung district. The group stated that its elite Fatah Squad executed the operation targeting buses that were transporting military personnel. Following the initial attack, the BLA reported intense clashes with reinforcements that arrived at the scene. In their statement, the BLA claimed that over 45 soldiers were killed and many others sustained injuries, although these figures remain unverified, and no confirmation has been provided by Pakistani officials.
BLA Reports Ongoing Fighting Post-Ambush
The BLA's statement indicated that the attack specifically targeted military buses along with their security detail before reinforcements arrived, leading to a prolonged firefight. The group declared, "The Baloch Liberation Army accepts responsibility for the coordinated and intense attack carried out in the Khad Koocha area of Mastung," emphasizing that the Fatah Squad was behind the operation.
The BLA also mentioned that a comprehensive statement detailing operational specifics and the alleged losses incurred by Pakistani forces would be forthcoming.
Initial Reports of Civilian and Military Casualties
Earlier accounts from local sources indicated that a group of armed individuals attacked a military convoy in Khad Koocha on Thursday. The convoy was reportedly carrying military personnel on leave when it was ambushed. Witnesses described heavy gunfire between the attackers and the security forces accompanying the convoy. Unverified reports suggested that one military vehicle was set ablaze during the incident.
In response to the attack, Pakistani security forces initiated a follow-up operation in the area and heightened security measures. The Quetta-Karachi Highway was closed to traffic as military operations continued.
Official Casualty Figures Still Pending
Rescue officials reported that three civilians lost their lives, and 11 others, including four children, were injured in the incident. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, with critically injured civilians being moved to Quetta for specialized care. Local reports indicated that at least three security personnel were killed and two injured during the initial confrontations, while other unverified accounts suggested higher military casualties. However, the Pakistani military has yet to release any official casualty figures.
As of the latest updates, Pakistani authorities have not issued a formal statement confirming the BLA's claims or the casualty figures provided by the separatist group. The situation in Mastung, Balochistan, remains dynamic, with military operations reportedly ongoing.