18 Paramilitary Personnel Killed in Balochistan Attack by BLA Fighters Deadly Ambush in Southwest Pakistan
In a major terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, at least 18 paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were killed after their convoy was ambushed by heavily armed militants near the town of Mangar in Kalat district. According to authorities, a group of around 70 assailants blocked the road before opening heavy gunfire on the unarmed FC personnel who were traveling on leave.
Attack Details and Responsibility Claim
- The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media wing, confirmed that the attack targeted unarmed Frontier Corps paramilitary troops.
- 12 attackers were reportedly killed in retaliatory action by security forces.
- The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the ambush.
- The attack was carried out by a BLA subgroup known as the Asad faction, which has been opposed to Pakistan’s military presence in Balochistan.
This marks the first major attack attributed to BLA’s Asad faction since 2019, signaling a resurgence in separatist militant activity in the region.
Rising Insurgency in Balochistan
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, has long been plagued by:
- Militant insurgencies by Baloch separatist groups demanding independence.
- Frequent attacks on Pakistani security forces and Chinese infrastructure projects.
- Sectarian and ethnic violence fueled by extremist organizations.
The BLA and other insurgent groups have intensified their attacks in recent years, particularly targeting:
- Military and paramilitary personnel.
- Government installations.
- Chinese-funded projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Government Response and Military Actions
Following the attack, security forces launched a large-scale operation in the area to track down the remaining militants. The Pakistan Army and paramilitary units have conducted several counter-insurgency operations in Balochistan but have struggled to completely neutralize separatist factions.
What’s Next?
- The Pakistani government is likely to intensify military operations against separatist groups in Balochistan.
- This attack could strain diplomatic relations with China, which has major investments in the province under CPEC.
- Baloch insurgents may escalate further attacks, prompting concerns about long-term stability in the region.
As the Baloch insurgency regains momentum, the question remains: Will Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts be enough to prevent further bloodshed, or is the region headed for deeper instability?
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