Balochistan unrest: BLA attacks Quetta, 10 Pakistani security personnel killed

Quetta (The Uttam Hindu): The situation in Pakistan's Balochistan province has descended into civil war, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) seizing control of several key areas, including the capital, Quetta. According to videos and reports released by The Balochistan Post, BLA fighters are openly roaming the markets and streets of Quetta with weapons. Most shockingly, the local Baloch population is welcoming these insurgents with applause and enthusiasm. In the face of this fierce insurgent attack, Pakistani army personnel have been forced to flee their posts. This development is being considered the biggest blow to the credibility of the Pakistani government and army so far.

Second phase of 'Operation Hero': Gunfire erupts in 10 cities

This entire operation is being described as part of the second phase of the BLA's "Operation Herof." The insurgents have systematically launched deadly attacks simultaneously in approximately 10 cities, including Quetta, Noshki, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kalat, Kharan, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump, and Buleda. The BLA claims that its suicide squads have targeted Pakistani Army and ISI camps and captured large areas. Police stations in Quetta have been completely destroyed, government vehicles are burning, and Pakistani flags have been replaced by BLA fighters on the rooftops.

The fire of war reached Gwadar Port, with women fighters also in the fray

BLA fighters have also reached the strategic and economically important Gwadar Port, where heavy exchanges of fire with Pakistani security forces are ongoing. Explosions can be heard throughout the area, and plumes of black smoke can be seen in the sky. The special feature of this operation is that BLA women fighters are also deployed on the front lines. The severity of the current situation in Balochistan can be gauged from the statement of Baloch leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal, who said that he has never seen such a horrific situation in his life.

10 army soldiers killed, emergency declared in hospitals

So far, 10 Pakistani security personnel have been claimed killed in this bloody conflict, while several BLA fighters are also reported to have been killed in retaliatory fire. As the situation spiraled out of control in Quetta, hospitals declared a state of emergency. The administration completely shut down mobile services and suspended train services. In this region, rich in mineral wealth but plagued by poverty and allegations of human rights violations, the BLA is calling this a fight for independence. Experts say that the open appearance of such a large number of insurgents for the first time exposes the weakness of the Pakistani army, and violence is likely to escalate in the coming days.