Balochistan Under Siege: BLA's Bold Assault Disrupts Quetta-Karachi Highway

Major Attack in Balochistan

In a significant escalation of violence, the Fateh Squad of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched a major attack in the Mongochar region of Kalat district, Balochistan. This assault led to the destruction of multiple government facilities and the obstruction of the Quetta-Karachi highway.

According to security reports, BLA militants effectively halted traffic on the Quetta-Karachi Highway, conducting searches on various vehicles, including passenger buses.

The armed group stormed the Mongochar market, seizing control of several government establishments, such as the offices of the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), the Judicial Complex, and the National Bank of Pakistan, which they subsequently set ablaze.

Sources indicated that the fire caused extensive damage to these buildings, and the militants managed to escape before security forces could respond.

The BLA's Fateh Squad claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that these operations are part of their so-called 'liberation struggle.'

In response, security officials initiated an operation in the affected area, and traffic on the National Highway (N-25) has since been restored.

This incident was followed by another attack in the same vicinity, where BLA militants ambushed a police vehicle transporting prisoners from Gadani jail to Quetta.

Reports suggest that the attackers freed at least ten prisoners and captured five police officers.

The police were using a private van for the prisoner transfer, and while the driver and vehicle were released, the militants retained the police personnel and their weapons.

Sources noted that the terrorists employed a similar tactic to intercept the van by blocking the main highway.

Police officials confirmed that ten prisoners were being moved from Gadani jail to Quetta and the central jail in Mach.

As the van approached the Mangocher area, the terrorists were already blocking the national highway, inspecting all vehicles, including buses and trucks. Upon encountering the prison van, they freed the inmates and abducted five police officers who were guarding them, while two officers in civilian clothes managed to escape unharmed.

Political analyst Kamran Yousaf remarked that the methodical way in which the terrorists blocked the highway and searched vehicles indicates a premeditated effort to locate the prisoner van and liberate their associates.

He noted that after failing to find the prisoners among the halted vehicles, the militants proceeded to search government buildings in Mongochar, setting them ablaze in the process.

Yousaf expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan and the challenges faced by Pakistan's security forces against groups like the BLA, which appear to have substantial support.

He emphasized that these terrorists are well-informed about prisoner movements and the presence of security personnel on various transport modes, allowing them to plan and execute targeted attacks.